The Ribble has burst its banks a number of times in the past four weeks

The River Ribble has been placed on flood alert as heavy rain continues to lash Preston and Lancashire.

An amber warning, the second-highest level, has been issued by the Met Office and now the Environment Agency is warning of rising river levels.

Brockholes Nature Reserve could be closed on Boxing Day as a flood warning is in place for the Ribble at the Brockholes area.

There’s also a warning for the Ribchester Area, as well as for properties on the South Bank of the river between the Darwen Confluence and the Railway Bridge and on the North bank upsteam of Walton Bridge.

The Ribble from Samlesbury onwards could flood, with Preston, Walton-le-Dale and Higher Walton on alert – a lower level warning.

The Rivers Yarrow and Lostock have also been placed on flood alert, which could affect parts of Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge.