FLOOD warnings have been issued across parts of Kent after more than 1.5in of rain fell in 24 hours.

The Environment Agency announced flood alerts for the River Teise between Lamberhurst and Yalding and for the River Medway between Penshurst and the Leigh Barrier.

The agency is hoping that with the weather easing today the flood threat would recede, but warned that the land was now so water-logged that if the weather worsened over the weekend the rivers would rise more quickly than usual. The peak period was expected to be at 3pm today.

In Headcorn, 15 sheep had to be rescued this morning from an island created when the River Beult burst its banks. Jamie Freeman, from Shenley Farm, said: "Fortunately we were able to encourage them to swim to safety and none were lost."

In Lamberhurst, the River Teise was still 2ft below its banks but parish clerk Rita Tanne said there was a stock of sandbags handy in case the situation became worse.

In Five Oak Green, parish clerk Cathy Jacobs said there was "lots of water everywhere", but workers from Tunbridge Wells council, who had spent many hours in the day in the village ensuring that the culvert on the Alders Stream was kept unblocked and this had prevented any homes from being flooded.

In Yalding, where some of the worst flooding often occurs, water from the Beult had begun to encroach on the site of the new doctors surgery under construction in Benover Road. The Lees were also flooded up to the road.

Just outside the village there was surface water flooding across Mill Lane and West Street near the River Beult.

Adding to residents' concerns was the worry of who would come to their rescue during the firefighters' strike. Yalding resident Kevin Briggenshaw whose home in Benover Road was flooded last year, said: "We are all on tenterhooks.

"There are many properties in the village centre with cellars that fill up with even the smallest amount of flooding. Usually the fire brigade comes to the rescue to pump them out. We don't know what will happen with the firemen on strike."

For information on the latest flood warning situation, ring the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or click on to its website on www.environment-agency.gov.uk