EVEN a civic dignitary helped out in the big clean-up after torrential rain flooded five homes in Westhoughton.

Deputy mayor Cllr Martin Eckersley donned his wellies and grabbed a mop to help his neighbours in Thorn Well which was badly hit by the floods.

Water rushed into the council homes and rose nine inches high, destroying many carpets and belongings.

Residents have been complaining about flood problems for the past four years and suspect the water seeps into the street from nearby woodland and a disused reservoir.

Firefighters were called to help, but could not pump away the water as all the drains were full.

Cllr Eckersley, of Broad Walk, said: "The flood was very sudden and the houses were full of water within minutes.

"All the community helped out with mops, buckets and brooms.

"Nobody is sure where so much water is coming from, but some of the residents have been complaining about this problem for years."

FLOODED HALLWAY: Gaynor Ratcliffe, of Thorn Well, Westhoughton

HELPING HAND: Westhoughton's deputy mayor Martin Eckersley

MAKING WAVES: Cars struggle through Beaumont Road, Lostock

WATER BUS: Flooded Smithills Dean Road