ESSEX Fire and Rescue have reported an increase in the number of flood related emergency calls today. 

Some of the worst hit areas are in Runwell, Wickford and Brentwood.

Dozens of calls have been received and a number of houses is Church End Lane, Runwell have been flooded after a drain burst.

Water has filled front gardens and driveways as residents try to celebrate Christmas Day. 

One of the most seriously affected was an elderly couple whose home in Basin Road, Heybridge, whose home was also flooded. 

Homes in in Mount Avenue, Brentwood, were also flooded after a  drain has burst.

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue said: "It's worth bearing in mind that the fire service does not keep stocks of sand bags, so ECFRS is unable to help those calling for emergency blockade materials.

"The fire service also only responds to flooding incidents where there is danger to people or some kind of life risk - crews cannot attend to pump water from gardens or recover stranded vehicles from flood water, this is the job of garage recovery teams.

"Once again motorists are ignoring safety warnings and continuing to drive into flooded areas putting themselves in danger."

If you have been affected or have pictures email melissa.hills@nqe.com