FORECASTERS have warned of potential flooding after days of heavy rain.

The Environment Agency has released a flood alert for the Upper River Irwell catchment area which includes parts of Bolton and Bury.

It follows long periods of heavy rain brought on by Storm Gareth which hit the North West earlier this week.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Beal, Roch and Croal, Limy Water and their tributaries.

"Further rainfall is forecast through to Friday March 15.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further updates if necessary.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."

Forecasters expect it to rain from the early hours of Friday morning and continue throughout the day.

The Met Office has also put out a warning over rain and strong winds on Saturday, with 40-80mm of rain expected to fall during the day.