A FLOOD alert risk has been issued in south Cumbria due to recent rainfall and snowmelt.

A government warning has said that flooding is 'possible' at Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck and other watercourses from Coniston to Barrow, including low-lying areas around Ulpha, Duddon Bridge, Broughton, Kirkby, Dalton and Ulverston.

The warning also states that areas 'most at risk' include the Rivers Kent and Bela and other watercourses from Kentmere to Silverdale, including low-lying areas around Staveley, Burneside, Kendal, Milnthorpe and Beetham.

The alert tells people to 'avoid' low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and to not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

The notice says: "River levels have risen on the Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck due to recent rainfall and snowmelt.

"River levels are rising on the Rivers Kent and Bela due to heavy rainfall.

"We will continue to monitor levels closely."