People who have chosen to stay put in a flood-hit village, near Maidstone, are living upstairs in their homes after river water poured into the streets.

Several homes in Yalding are currently under water and yesterday an evacuation was staged at the Little Venice caravan park.

The rivers Medway, Beult and Teise run through Yalding and the Beult's course is through the centre, underneath the medieval bridge. It has already reached homes which are alongside it.

Levels peaked yesterday and another peak also happened today, around 3pm.

But several villagers, many who remember the devastation of the 2013 floods, have praised the response this year.

Erica Olivares, of Benover Road, has moved her belongings upstairs. She is not flooded, yet, but is prepared for the worst. When then Prime Minister David Cameron visited in 2013, she confronted him about a lack of action.

She said: "The response this time could not be more different. We have had Environment Agency staff here keeping people updated and flood wardens, who are all local people, knocking and making sure people are ok and informed.

"Maidstone council came and delivered sandbags on Friday and Yalding Parish Council members are checking people are safe. I cannot fault their actions.

"We're keeping an eye on the situation and things aren't as bad as 2013. It all depends what is going on with the Leigh flood barrier, near Tonbridge, and how much water is going to be released from behind the barrier.

"Really, the situation makes you not sure what to do. I have essentially been living upstairs, but have just ventured down to make dinner."

She added: "In 2013, nothing was done and people were left without food. Back then, when the waters receded, I wanted to open the door and scream at someone.

"When I did open the door David Cameron was stood there, so I just told him what I felt."

Maidstone Borough Council has sent instant liason officers to the village, who relay latest advice from the Environment Agency.

The authority has been planning its response since the middle of last week. This year flood gates, which protect the front of homes, have also been installed for houses at risk.

Around 200 homes in Yalding were evacuated yesterday. Some people found their own accommodation, others needed the help of emergency services.

One person offered emergency accommodation is Rusty Morris, of Benover Road. Water is currently about 10ft away from her back door, but she has chosen to stay.

The 88-year-old said: "Last time they took me to an old folks' home and I didn't like it, then I stayed in a hotel. The water is not yet in my home so I am going to stay here, and I'm watching a film this afternoon.

"I am spending a lot of time upstairs, but I am also using my living room."

Other officials have also spent time trying to stop people driving through flooded roads, which risks a breakdown, or creating a bow wave, sending water crashing into homes.

South East 4x4 response is manning a barrier on Yalding's historic bridge, so residents can get access.

Steve Short, executive officer, said: "We arrived yesterday and are helping with traffic management as some people want to ignore the road closures. We've not yet had to tow anyone out.

"We're also on standby as there is a lady, who is flooded, who has an urgent hospital appointment tomorrow, so we will be on hand if she needs assistance leaving her home.

"Everything we've seen so far suggests water levels have peaked and we understand officials have put in place a measured release of water from the Leigh barrier."

Read more: How flood defences work

More news from Maidstone, click here