A flood alert issued last night for north west Cumbria has now been upgraded to a flood warning.

Issued by the Environment Agency, the flood warning stretches from Longtown to Silloth, taking in several villages along the Solway coast, including Port Carlisle and Burgh-by-Sands.

The agency has stated the period of greatest risk will be between 11.30am and 1pm today.

The flood warning is the second-highest category of alert issued by the Environment Agency, and states that flooding is to be expected, so immediate action is required by those in the affected area.

The warning states that "tidal flooding is expected to affect the foreshore as a result of high spring tides and a small tidal surge.

"Flooding to low lying properties, roads and farmland is expected at these times.

"Conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. Low lying properties in the Port Carlisle area may be affected.

 "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking and operating tidal flood defences.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near the coastline and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads which may be flooded."