FLOOD warnings have been taken out on to the roads as the region once again braces itself for the winter weather.

The Environment Agency is using buses across the North-East in a campaign to warn people of the dangers of flooding in the region.

From this week, buses travelling on routes through Bishop Auckland, Ponteland, Morpeth and Blyth will be carrying giant Floodline posters with a number that people can call for the latest flooding information.

In June last year, the River Gaunless burst its banks following heavy rain, leaving 133 homes in West Auckland and 194 in South Church washed out. A further 33 homes were also hit when the Oakley Cross Beck, in West Auckland, overflowed.

Since the floods, £90,000 has been spent on temporary defences on the Gaunless, which include a 400m earth embankment and 70m of temporary flood wall.

As well as these temporary measures, the Environment Agency is hoping that residents will take advantage of the Floodline number.

The aim of the bus campaign is to target drivers as well as pedestrians across County Durham and Northumbria. Smaller posters are also appearing inside the buses for passengers.

Flood warning campaign officer for the agency, Melinda Foley, said: "By calling the Agency's Floodline number or logging on to the Internet, people can get the latest flood information 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

"You might not be able to prevent what happens when a flood strikes but you can certainly take steps to prepare for it."

Call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the webside, at www.environmentagency.gov.uk/floo