Persistent rain across the country led to flood watches being put out by the Environment Agency, including one for villages in the south of Northants, especially those near the River Tove.

The county warning means that flooding of low lying land and roads near the river is expected.

Villagers in West End, Silverstone, who were inundated with floodwater twice in 12 months, have taken matters into their own hands to protect their homes.

Builder Owen Smith's home routinely floods after heavy rain and he said he was determined to minimise any damage for him and his neighbours this time.

He went to the council depot with a trailer and picked up 130 sandbags for all eight houses. He said: "Hopefully, we won't have the damage which was caused last time."

A South Northamptonshire Council spokeswoman said she was pleased people were picking up their own sandbags, but stressed that people unable to travel to the depot would have them delivered.

She added: "We're all prepared for any adverse weather conditions over the weekend. We're leaving sandbags outside Tove Depot in Towcester over the weekend for residents who can come and collect them if they are concerned about flooding.

"Silverstone parish council has already collected some for their village as they were badly affected in the floods last year. We have the Aqua sacs at the Council offices in Springfield, but residents will need to call our emergency out of hours number to come and get these.

"Call 0800 160 1022 for any flooding problem outside normal office hours."