A FLOOD alert has been issued for parts of Bolton as heavy rain continues in the region.

Areas of Farnworth, Kearsley, Little Lever and Radcliffe are included in the alert, which also includes Whitefield, Bury, Heywood, Whitworth and Bacup.

The alert means that the area could flood and warns residents to be prepared.

The Environment Agency says the upper Irwell catchment area, which includes the rivers Beal, Roch and Croal, and Limey Water, are at risk of flooding.

The latest update states that duty officers will monitor the situation as the rain continues.

There has been widespread flooding in the UK over the Christmas period, with the South West particularly badly affected.

For more detailed information on flood alerts in Bolton, check the Environment Agency website at environmentagency.gov.uk or call the Floodline on 0845 9881188.