United Utilities has mobilised hundreds of engineers and specialist crews from water and wastewater networks, together with call handling teams, to help customers hit by torrential rain which has seen rivers flood a saturated north of England.

The heavy rain and high winds brought on by resent storms have caused widespread disruption across the North West - in many areas, the ground is still saturated from previous downpours and river levels remain at record highs.

Although floodwaters have been receding, storms Desmond, Eva and Frank have forced many customers from their homes or business.

The water company has been deploying teams of staff, working alongside the Army, emergency services and the Environment Agency to assist with the clean-up in Cumbria, Lancashire and parts of Greater Manchester.

United Utilities has also suspended water bills for customers evacuated from their home or business due to the flooding.