LARGE areas of North Yorkshire remained at risk of flooding tonight (Tuesday, January 1) as ground water continued to rise.

The Environment Agency said as flood plains were still saturated it was maintaining 14 flood warnings for the rivers Ure, Swale and Ouse, despite river levels falling following a dry start to the year.

An Environment Agency spokesman numerous properties in the Boroughbridge area faced flooding, and with river levels at Aldwark Bridge and Roecliffe being closely monitored.

He said: "We are concerned about the ground water levels. They're still high and they are still rising. "So there is a still a very real risk of ground water flooding to areas around Malton and places such as Kirbymoorside."

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service appeal for motorists to avoid standing floods after being called out to Ox Moor Lane, Cattal, near Green Hammerton, to rescue two men and three women from a car which had been driven into 3ft of water.