Villages along the River Beult could face trouble today due to rising water levels.

Since 12.45am the Environment Agency (EA) has been warning of flooding from Stile Bridge near Linton in Maidstone to Hampstead Lock in Yalding.

Affected areas include Marden, Chainhurst, Collier Street and Benover.

The alert comes after the height of the water at Hampstead Lock was recorded to exceed normal levels by 40cm.

This follows on from similar warnings issued yesterday further up the river from Pluckley and Bethersden to Stile Bridge as well as along the River Teise from Horsmonden to Yalding.

Residents are being told to avoid using low-lying footpaths or going places susceptible to flooding.

Anyone wanting advice can call EA's floodline anytime on 0345 988 1188 or can text the same board on 0345 602 6340.