THE danger of losing your ball in the water could be pretty high on this golf course.

As people in York and North Yorkshire dealt with the aftermath of rain and floods, ponds appeared all over the course at Fulford Golf Club.

Head greenkeeper Mark Mennell said: "The 18th green looked like an island at one point because it was surrounded on all sides.

"Thankfully the water is draining away - but it was the worst I've seen it in 31 years at the club."

General manager Gary Pearce said: "All the rain we had on Monday morning was like a flash flood.

"But luckily the drainage system is very good and once the river starts going down, and the ditches are clear, it will drain away."

The course, in Heslington Lane, was expected to reopen today, and players were keeping their fingers crossed that forecast rain will not threaten a charity match on Friday in aid of St Leonard's Hospice.

Meanwhile, at Stockton-on-the-Forest, drivers had to plough through large pools of water in the road.

The dip in Stockton Lane fills every time there is a downpour, causing problems for motorists and pedestrians.

People across the area were mopping up after the usual rainfall for the whole of May fell in a week. Nearly double the usual 50mm for May has fallen so far this month locally.

Flood warnings were still in force yesterday evening on the River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill and Stamford Bridge, and on riverside footpaths next to the Ouse in York.

Clifton With Rawcliffe Primary School was expected to reopen today after flooding problems in its IT suite, library and kitchens.

Head teacher Chris Wigley said: "There are still sections of the school which can't be used.

"But the classrooms are fine and we didn't want to inconvenience parents any longer."

Updated: 09:41 Wednesday, May 24, 2006