FLOOD warnings have been issued to Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents.

Following heavy rainfall the environment Agency has said there is a serious risk of flooding across the county in coming days.

Teams worked throughout Christmas and Boxing Day to ensure rivers remained unblocked and flood defences were working properly.

But the ground is saturated and further rainfall could cause problems in the following areas:

The Lower Itchen River from Twyford to Woodmill near Winchester

The Lower Lymington River

Cadnam in the New Forest

The Eastern Yar on the Isle of Wight

Spokesman for the agency Ray Kemp said: "This time of the year it is traditional for people to be out and about trying to exercise away some of their Christmas lunch. We would ask them to be extremely careful when walking near to water.

"All rivers and streams in the region are flowing extremely fast and the banks are very slippery. One false step could end in tragedy."

He also urged motorists to avoid driving along flooded roads or through fords crossing rivers and streams.

For more information contact their Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk