THE region is still feeling the effects of this week's storms and heavy rain.

Yesterday, the North suffered from more downpours, following on from Wednesday's unexpected sunshine.

Overnight on Wednesday, 4.4mm of rain fell on the region, with much more throughout the day yester- day.

There is more rain expected today, but it is expected to get drier over the weekend.

The Environment Agency had put out two flood warnings on the River Ouse, at York, and also has flood watches in Darlington and parts of Cleveland.

A swollen River Tees meant that access to parts of High Force, in Upper Teesdale, England's largest waterfall, was restricted.

Catherine Turnbull, from Raby Estates, said: "It's looking phenomenal, with water coming down both of the sides.

"We've had to close the top part of waterfall as it was very slippery, but the walk at the bottom is still open," she said.

The highest kite festival in England, which is taking place at High Force at the weekend, is still expected to go ahead, although Ms Turnbull advised people to take seats with them as the ground may still be quite wet.

South Church, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, which was devastated in 2000 when the River Gaunless broke its banks, has suffered localised flooding, believed to have been caused by a deluge of water to the drains.

Meanwhile, County Dur-ham theatre company Jack Drum Arts has been forced to change the venue of its open air play, The Ramayana, tomorrow.

It will now take place in the grounds of Wolsingham School, in Weardale, at 2pm, after the intended venue, Blackhill Park in Consett, was flooded.

If it rains, the event will be transferred indoors.