AS a rain-soaked Malvern dries out, weather experts have revealed it was the wettest September since 1976.

Across the area, both the river Severn and the Teme burst their banks in places although the new river defences held their own.

At Upton-upon-Severn Environment Agency engineers closed the floodgates in the newly installed flood defences, and the seals held tight.

And at Powick, the hams and surrounding fields which make up the floodplain again did their job taking the brunt of the floodwaters which peaked overnight on Tuesday, and into Wednesday.

Despite the dramatic views of rivers rising up, it was a far cry from the driving rain that fell causing flash-flooding on Monday and which meant several main roads around Leigh Sinton, Alfrick, Martley and Suckley were all blocked.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to several vehicle rescues from people in Herefordshire.

And at Broadbridge near Bromyard crews were called to three separate incidents where vehicles had become stranded in flood water, one involving some horses.

However, by Monday afternoon, the tide of flashflooding had all but receded.

Meanwhile, weather expert Frank Hill revealed it had been the wettest September for 34 years for the area, after about 76mm of water fell over 24 hours.

He said the level of rainfall over Sunday and Monday was “exceptionally wet by anyone’s standards”.

He said people could expect mainly dry weather today and tomorrow (Saturday) but it would remain cloudy and overcast.