A FLOOD alert has been issued along a stretch of the River Aire in the Bradford district this morning, following heavy rain overnight.

It was feared the rain, combined with rapidly melting snow which is as deep as 20cm in places, would cause the river to burst its banks.

Nearby residents and business owners have now been put on alert to flooding this morning.

The flood alert on the River Aire stretches from Crossflatts up to Glusburn, before stretching further into Skipton and Gargrave all the way up into the Yorkshire Dales.

The Flood Information Service said: "River levels have risen due to the snowmelt and rain overnight.

"Rain will continue throughout today and we expect a further rise in river levels.

"Areas most at risk are low-lying land including Skipton Washlands, Snaygill Ings and Cononley Washlands.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and the weather forecast. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and be aware that water may remain in washlands for some time."

The next update on flooding risk is due at 1pm.