PARTS of Dorset are at risk of flooding following heavy rainfall overnight.

A flood alert has been issued for areas in west Dorset, including Broadwindsor, and north Dorset, including Sherborne, after a night of heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall in east Devon has caused river levels to rise rapidly, leading to a chance the River Axe might flood, affecting Broadwindsor and Beaminster.

A spokesman said: "We expect flooding to affect low lying land in the floodplain and roads close to the river in the following areas Seaton, Colyton, Axminster and Axmouth.

"Further showery rain is forecast through until Tuesday. River levels are expected to remain higher than normal throughout this period."

River levels in south east Somerset are rising and, consequently, flooding of roads and farmland in Sherborne is possible later on this evening and tonight.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "This is a precautionary Flood Alert because river levels are rising in South East Somerset, including the River Wriggle at Chetnole, as a result of intense, persistent rainfall.

"Most of the rain has passed through, although there could still be some heavy showers. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with other authorities.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near rivers, plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads, which may be flooded, and refer to local authority websites for local road conditions."