POLICE are warning people to stay away from the region's waterways as many rivers are running high due to this morning's torrential rain.

Durham Police said the River Wear has burst its banks and flooded playing fields in Bishop Auckland.

Officers moved a family with young children and dogs away from the water.

A spokesperson for the Bishop Auckland neighbourhood policing team said: "It may be interesting and fascinating to watch by the edge of water but please don't come down to Rugby Club."

In North Yorkshire, a member of the public called 999 at 2pm after seeing two canoeists possibly struggling in the fast-flowing River Swale near Easby.

They were found safe and well after a search by the emergency services.

Deployment manager Paul Richardson said: "The river is high and it is fast, so we would urge canoeists, however experienced, to consider whether it is necessary to get into the waterways when they are at this velocity."