A stark warning went out today that York's flood defences could be breached by the rising waters of the River Ouse.

The "worst case scenario" is that water levels could reach their highest point for 400 years, according the council safety chiefs.

The Environment Agency's Colin Atkinson said they believed the water level would peak at five metres, just below the defence level of about 5.5 metres.

But it was possible the waters would "overtop" the defences, and Mr Atkinson estimated if that did happen the crucial period would probably be at first light tomorrow.

Residents of Malton and Norton were bracing themselves for more flood related misery tonight after Environment Agency chiefs forecast no let up in the rising water levels until midday tomorrow.

An Emergency co-ordination room has been set up at Ryedale House, which will be manned by police, fire and council staff. It will be open 24-hours-a-day, and backed by an information line which people can access by ringing our normal number.

For help and advice on how to prepare for the floods, or to request sandbags, ring 01653 600666.