RESCUE: The van in the water. Picture: NORTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE

Following overnight heavy rain, the Environment Agency issued numerous flooding alerts in the North-East, including low-lying land in the Lower Tees valley, from Middleton St George to the Tees Barrage, including Lustrum Beck, Greatham Beck and the Riverside footpaths at Yarm.

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It also said the River Gaunless, west of Bishop Auckland, was rising.

A spokesman said: "The main area of concern was the River Gaunless and its tributaries where river levels suggest there may be flooding to low-lying land and roads."

The flood warning - where flooding is expected - has been issued following rising levels on the River Tutt at Boroughbridge.

The current level of the River Tutt at Boroughbridge is 13.8m and has risen quickly since 4am.

In Ripon, fire crews were called to help a van driver who had become stuck crossing the River Skell at Priest Lane.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue tweeted several photos, adding: "Water rescue crews from Ripon assisting driver that didn't take notice of warning @NorthYorksFire".

Two appliances from Ripon and water rescue crews from Ripon and Richmond attended.

The driver is understood to have told his rescuers that he thought he could get through.

An agency spokesman said: "We are sending a field team to check the area. The River Ure at Boroughbridge is 13.3m and is expected to peak on Thursday afternoon between 13.5m and 14.0m. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this message accordingly."

A number of flood alerts have been issued elsewhere in North Yorkshire, with alerts for the upper River Ouse, upper River Derwent, the lower River Ure, near Ripon, and the River Nidd.

The agency spokesman added: "Following heavy rainfall over night in the Lower River Tees area the River Tees has risen. Members of staff from the Environment Agency will close the flood gates at Yarm this morning.

"No further rain is forecast, but the river levels will remain high into Thursday afternoon. The flood gates at Croft are closed. We are constantly monitoring the situation and have people available to respond as necessary. No property flooding is forecast.

"Throughout Wednesday we have seen heavy rainfall in the River Gaunless Area. This has meant that the River Gaunless is now rising. More heavy showers are expected into the night, clearing in the early morning. However the situation is very changeable and difficult to predict.

"We expect the river to remain high and possibly rise further, though at this stage no property flooding is forecast. Low-lying land and roads may be affected. At the moment, we do not expect to issue any Flood Warnings for this area. We are constantly monitoring river levels and have workers in the field to relay information, clear blockages and operate defences if required."

The Environment Agency said it would operate the Foss Barrier in York due to rising levels on the River Ouse following heavy rainfall.