FLOOD defences in Ulverston faced their toughest test to date after south Cumbria was plunged into flooding chaos yet again.

Within the space of a few hours yesterday (22) streets in Barrow and Dalton were under water and multiple flood warnings were issued on becks in Ulverston.

With the devastation caused by Storm Desmond still fresh in local memory, local councillors have given their assessment on new defences built to protect residents.

Town councillor for south Ulverston, Andrew Butcher, said: "The rain was horrific.

"We had a lot of concern about Dragley Beck. A lot of people were worried but having said that nothing got on to the roads.

"I do praise the Environment Agency. They are doing a good job."

Over the past year extensive work has taken place in the town centre and along Steel Street to improve flood resilience. The EA have spent millions of pounds to protect properties which were routinely flooded.

The Ulverston Emergency Resilience Group, headed by Cllr Mark Wilson, worked throughout the day to keep locals informed on flood prevention efforts.

He was pleased with its work, saying: "Things worked out. It was touch and go as you don't want to go too near the water. Standing next to it you see it is a powerful force."

Today (23) there was still deep water lying in fields across south Ulverston. However, in stark comparison to previous years the flood defences had held and homes were safe from the flood waters.

Follow the links below to learn about the flood relief efforts taking place across Furness, and how Ulverston's defences have improved since 2015.