PARTS of the region were still on flood alert yesterday, despite an improvement in the weather.

The sun may have come out by mid-morning, but rivers and streams in North Yorkshire were still swollen after heavy rain over the weekend, with 13 formal flood warnings still in force.

At lunchtime, the River Ouse in York was still almost 12ft above its usual level - and expected to rise further overnight.

Flood watches were also issued to the rest of the Vale of York, as well as Swaledale, Cleveland, and along the east coast.

Environment Agency spokesman Mark Tinnion said: "The forecast for the coming week is for dry spells, which is good news for people who own homes and businesses close to rivers.

"However, the agency will continue to monitor the situation closely in case it changes.''