HUNDREDS of people living in parts of the Ribble Valley will receive mock flood warnings from the Environment Agency next week to check alarm systems are operating correctly.

The Agency will issue them to homes and businesses in designated areas of Ribchester and Low Moor, Clitheroe, on Wednesday to test communication links. The scheme has been operational for a few years and tested usually once a year.

Warnings are issued to homes and workplaces by the Agency through an automatic voice messaging (AVM) system which sends a phone message to properties at risk, to ensure people are alerted to potential flooding as soon as possible.

The results of the AVM tests will be used to develop and improve the Agency's existing flood warning methods.

Steve Coupe, the Environment Agency's area flood warning team leader, said: "People living in flood-risk areas need to receive the right warnings at the right times, and these tests help us achieve that.

"People shouldn't worry about these mock flood warnings, but can help us by acknowledging the message they receive, by keying the digit one on their phones as soon as possible."

He added: "This time of year is the start of the 'flooding season', and many people face a very real risk. It is serious but there are simple steps people can take to prepare. One of the easiest is to become familiar with the Environment Agency's flood warning codes and what they mean."

Flood warning codes -- Flood Watch, Flood Warning, Severe Flood Warning and All Clear -- indicate the extent of possible flooding and its likely danger.

The area has seen several incidents of severe flooding in the past few years.

Last October, Ribchester was put on flood warning with some residents warned they could be evacuated.

The mock flood warning scheme comes in the same week as a national TV and newspaper advertising campaign , which draws on the memory of the floods in 1998, 1999 and 2000, asking people: "Do you really need another warning?"

It urges residents to "wise-up to flooding" and make sure they are fully equipped to deal with future problems, including checking they are fully insured in the event of a flood.

Anyone with queries about the tests, or who wants to find out more about the AVM system, should contact the Environment Agency floodline 0845 988 1188.