RESIDENTS in the Yorkshire Dales village of Catterick are being urged to take action now to protect themselves from flooding throughout the winter.

Everyone prepares for the cold weather but the winter also brings flooding and misery to many people...

Di Keal - Environment Agency

Half the number of people eligible for an Environment Agency flood warning in the town have so far registered for the free service and officers from the Agency were in Catterick last week to encourage the rest to do so.

The organisation's North Yorkshire flood warning team held a drop-in session at Booth Hall as part of the Agency's fortnight-long flood campaign aimed at raising awareness of flooding in Yorkshire.

Flood warning officer Di Keal said: "There is a tendency to think of winter as snow, frosts and freezing temperatures. Everyone prepares for the cold weather but the winter also brings flooding and misery to many people across the UK, yet how many people know how to protect themselves from flooding?"

The Environment Agency has recently completed a study which looked at flooding in the village, and as a result more than 250 additional properties have been highlighted as at risk.

Around 600 properties are now eligible for a warning of flooding from the River Swale or Brough Beck which runs through Catterick.

Residents whose properties are covered by the service can receive a warning by phone or fax.

• For further information, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline or call the 24 hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188