A SEVERE flood warning today was stepped down relieving Bolton residents and businesses who feared more disruption as the big storm clear-up continued.

The Environment Agency reduced its red alert plan as water levels started to drop, but will be keeping a close eye on all rivers and canals in the Greater Manchester area during the night.

There was a flood watch warning on all of Bolton's rivers earlier, with the River Irwell at Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, on a high state of alert.

For a full report on this, and other stories about the great storm see our Weather Alert file on the left link.