TORRENTIAL rain has forced the cancellation of York Races - and brought chaos to the roads of York and North Yorkshire.

All racing today has been abandoned, after more than an inch of rain fell in just six hours overnight.

This morning, there was standing water across the course, but forecasters were predicting the rain will ease off later in the day, and officials are due to inspect the course at 4.15pm to assess the conditions for Saturday.

Meanwhile, there was surface water on key roads across the region, including at the Hopgrove Roundabout and Grimston Bar in York, and the A163 in North Duffield.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "We are warning drivers to be very, very careful. There is standing water on a very large number of roads right across the county. There is a risk of aquaplaning and a risk of getting caught coming round a corner into a semi-flooded area, which could mean somebody stops dead in front of you.

"Our warning is: take it easy."

If you have been affected by the flooding - or have any pictures of its effects - email The Press at newsdesk@ycp.co.uk.