As river levels rise following last night's torrential rain, the Environment Agency has issued advice about what to do if you've suffered flooding in your home.

*Take care. There may be dangers in the water such as sharp objects and raised manhole covers.

*Flood water may have caused structual damage to buildings.

*Flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste. Always wear waterproof outerwear, including gloves, wellington boots and a face mask.

*If your electricity supply is not already switched off at the mains, get a qualified person to do...

Firefighters responded to over 250 calls in Devon and Somerset yesterday as storm winds battered the South West. People were rescued from cars and unsafe buildings by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) often in the same area simultaneously. Area Manager Phil Martin said that people were gambling with their lives if they chose to drive through floodwater. He said: “Your car can float in as little as 30cm of water and it takes much less than that to knock someone off their feet. “People must ask themselves, is it worth gambling with your car and maybe even your life to...

Rail passengers intending to travel on Tuesday are advised to check with their train operators for the latest service information.

Normal ticket restrictions are being relaxed by many operators to ensure people can reach their destination as quickly and easily as possible at this important time of year.

Robin Gisby, managing director of operational services for Network Rail, said: “Our fundamental concern is to get everyone where they want to be for Christmas. It won’t be an easy task given the forecast conditions and disruption is likely – but I want to be very clear that...

Firefighters in England and Wales will walk out on strike between 7pm and midnight tonight (Christmas Eve) in their long running dispute with the government over pensions.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service (DSFRS) have said that they have “substantial contingency plans in place to ensure that we will continue to respond to emergency incidents.”

The strike comes after last night’s storm saw DSFRS make over 250 calls to weather related incidents last night including several life threatening emergencies

The fire brigades Union (FBU) has a recall agreement...

ASHFORDS LLP's multi-award-winning conveyancing team has gained further recognition for the quality of its service at the 2013 Equity Release Awards, which took place at Merchants Taylors’ Hall in London on Tuesday, 26 November.

The firm’s Equity Release team, led by Partner Peter Barton, were overall winners in the National Conveyancing Category, beating Equilaw and Goldsmith Williams to claim the top spot.

The nominations procedure was a two-tier process which ensured it was as robust and as transparent as possible.

The first stage was to invite nominations...