A council is to carry out a probe into the drainage of agricultural land to help combat a repeat of extensive flooding in its towns and villages.

Ryedale District Council, in North Yorkshire, has announced it will work with the Environment Agency and the drainage boards in the district to try to prevent further flooding.

Spokesman Phil Hancock said the role of the drainage boards would be examined, together with their policy on maintaining rivers and other drainage channels.

He said the council would involve English Nature, local farmers, conservation groups and other experts in its investigation.