A RAW sewage leak in a Cumbrian town was caused by a fat 'berg'.

Sewage flooded onto Gote Bridge in Cockermouth from the main sewer on Wednesday.

High pressure water jets and suction pumps were used to clear the blockage and get the sewer partially flowing again.

A tiny CCTV camera inserted into the pipe then revealed a massive fat blockage. It was so severe a second, larger jetting vehicle had to be brought in to clear the pipe.

United Utilities said the problem did not affect drinking water quality.

A spokesman said: "This is a classic example of the problems caused when people flush or pour away the wrong things into the drains.

"Fatty food waste should always be cooled and scraped into the bin, not poured down the sink. It might wash away with hot water and washing up liquid but as soon as it gets into the sewers it cools down and clogs up the pipes, just like clogged arteries.

"In this case it caused sewage to flood onto the road. More commonly the sewage backs up into people’s homes and floods inside, which is a nightmare for the resident and can involve a costly visit from the plumber or a drainage contractor.

"It costs United Utilities around £10 million a year to deal with blockages in sewers."