FIRE CREWS were called to 51 floods in Lancashire last night following a huge downpour. In one incident, at midnight, they helped pump water out of the Brownhill Arms, Whalley New Road, Blackburn. Railway workers were also called to the track behind the pub, as concern grew for the safety of the line.

Acting manager Jennifer Whalley, 20, burst into tears when she saw the mess. She said: "I just could not belive it. My parents are away in Canada and this is what they will be coming home to. All the stock and carpets are ruined."

Sub Officer Beau Gaskin said: "It was a severe flood in this area and the cellar was full of water. The drains could not cope with the rain and the situation could have been made worse by recent redevelopments and works in the area.

"Railway workers had to man the line to ensure the bank did not collapse."

And in Mount Street, Accrington, the Accrington Grinding Company was under three feet of water following the downpour and eight workers were preparing to spend the day cleaning up their premises. It is the second time the business, which makes cutting equipment, has been flooded.

Managing director Russell Kenyan said: "This is devastating for the business as it means we are out of production for another day."