NORTH-East residents are receiving text messages from the Environment Agency this week to let them know they have been registered for free flood warnings.

Mobile phone users on the O2 network who live in areas at high risk of flooding will receive an automated message telling them they have been signed up to alerts, with a link on what to do if they receive a flood warning, as well as the option to opt out.

The roll out is happening across the region, including in Durham, Lanchester, West Auckland, Stanhope, Darlington and Wolsingham and Redcar, Hartlepool, Yarm, Stokesley, Stockton and Middlesbrough.

Leila Huntington, North-East flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Being registered for flood warnings can give people advance notice of flooding and some crucial time to prepare.

“If you get the text, it is because you live in an area at risk of flooding, so we would urge people to stay registered to the service and learn what to do if you receive a warning by viewing a free flood guide online at floodsdestroy.campaign.gov.uk.”