Torrential rain left parts of Bury under water yesterday - and experts warned there was more to come.

The Met office predicted downpours throughout the week and the Environment Agency issued flood warnings.

Businesses based at Pioneer Mill in Milltown Street, Radcliffe, were evacuated when the River Irwell burst its banks.

Up to 3ft of water got into the mill and firefighters helped staff from the building.

Areas said to be at risk of flooding yesterday were those adjacent to the River Irwell as it passes through Strongstry and Chatterton, near Ramsbottom.

The Upper Irwell catchment area which includes the River Croal was also put on floodwatch. Areas around Farnworth, Whitefield, Little Lever, Radcliffe and Bury could be affected.

In Ramsbottom the River Irwell burst its banks and left Ramsbottom United Football Club looking for a temporary new home. The pitch is adjacent to the river and yesterday was completely submerged.

Manager Neil Hart said it was a shame after the hard work by ground staff to get the pitch into a good playing condition in recent weeks.

Hwe said they now faced looking for an alternative ground.

"If our ground isn't up to scratch we will have to look elsewhere. I would imagine it is going to be out of action for the forseeable future," he said.

A man was rescued after his inflatable canoe became stuck in the river Irwell near Kay Street in Summerseat, Bury.

He and two friends, aged in their mid 20s, were riding in canoes but the river was too high and they could not fit under a bridge.

Two managed to get out of the canoes and clamber to the side of the river, while the third got tangled in debris near the bridge.

He managed to get to a bridge stanchion where firefighters rescued him from.

Firefighters went through the cellar of a pub, The Waterside, to get to the man to avoid going in the water.

Adrian Tonge, watch commander at Ramsbottom, said: "The conditions were very tricky and this could have ended in a tragedy."

For the latest Bury Traffic News click HERE

  • Latest train and bus service updates, including live departure times for all local rail stations, are HERE.