Hundreds of homeowners were still on red alert today as overnight rains once again swelled the River Aire.

Flood victims were spared from the expected overnight crisis which experts had predicted would peak at about 1am.

But West Yorkshire Police warned the danger was not over as levels of the River Aire in Stockbridge, Keighley, had risen by 2ft by 6am.

An Environment Agency spokesman said levels on the Aire upstream of Leeds on Tuesday night, were the highest ever recorded, exceeding the previous maximum in 1946, and added an estimated 750 properties had now been flooded in Yorkshire.

In Skipton, many houses still have sandbags across the doorways as a flood warning for the Springs section of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal remained.

Large floodlights connected to emergency generators lit the streets overnight as there was still a power blackout in many parts of the village. But homes in Cottingley which had expected the worst if the River Aire peaked as predicted at 1.45am today were spared as water levels initially stabilised.

Flood warnings remain in place, however, for Skipton Road in Kildwick, Cononley, Crossflatts, Bingley, Cottingley, Shipley, Esholt and Apperley Bridge. Heavy rain is expected over the weekend - particularly on Sunday.

A total of 12 flood watches remain in place in West Yorkshire along with those in Gargrave and Skipton and Wharfedale while a flood warning remains in place on the River Calder.

David Kennedy, assistant chief executive for Bradford Council, said staff had been working flat out with emergency services to help those in need.

He said: "Highways and drainage staff have been clearing debris from roads and bridges since early Monday so that main routes across the district are passable but the continuing rains means this is an uphill struggle.

"The heavy rain also means all fixtures on the council's outdoor sports pitches have been cancelled.

"Our environmental health officers have drawn up some guidance for residents on how to avoid potential health risks associated with contamination by flood water." The council has set up a special helpline on (01274) 752777 which is open between 8am and 8pm and at other times people should ring (01274) 751000.

The emergency feeding and accommodation centre in Skipton Town Hall provided by Craven Council was no longer in use, but remained on stand-by.

The areas potentially at risk were those adjacent to the canal in the Broughton Road area and police urged those who may be asked to evacuate to co-operate with them.

The level of Eller Beck beside Springs Canal behind Skipton Castle dropped considerably yesterday morning. There was still a weak area between the two watercourses and the level of the beck was constantly monitored.

Environment Agency officials and British Waterways staff inspected the site of the potential breach again, but considered it too dangerous to attempt any repairs at the moment.

They began constructing a dam near Coach Street Bridge to divert water back into Eller Beck if the banking between the two watercourses was breached and 100 tonnes of aggregate in one-tonne bags was delivered to the site. They worked into the evening and hoped to have the work completed by today.

Craven Council's chief executive Rachel Mann said: "The council's primary concern in the current situation is safety. If there is any prospect of further threat from the weakness in the banking between Eller Beck and Springs Canal, we will do whatever is necessary to try to ensure the safety of the residents who may be affected."

Those living and working in flood risk areas are being asked to stay vigilant and check warning updates via the media or by calling the Environment Agency's hotline on 0845 988 1188.