BISHOP Auckland Town Hall is hoping to be back in business today after rainwater from Friday's freak downpour forced it to close.

The hall's caf and library were worst hit when roof drains could not cope with the sudden deluge and were still closed yesterday.

Mopping up operations started immediately after the storm which sparked flash flooding across the region.

Cleaners were called in to work on Friday night and library staff rescued books from the water.

Centre manager Gillian Wales said this week's programme of events would continue as normal, but library users should check before turning up.

She said: "It was a freak storm. Fortunately it happened when the library was still open so there were people here.

"We have lost some books which were on the floor but it was not a huge number. We have been very fortunate. Staff have been wonderful.

"All we are waiting for now is for the library carpet to dry out. People have been able to return books and can telephone in to renew them. There are also facilities at Woodhouse Close Library."

This morning's meeting of U3A is going ahead, as is tomorrow's In Conversation with former Newton Aycliffe schoolboy Paul Magrs, which starts at 7.30pm. Admission is by free ticket.

Vin Garbutt is In Concert on Thursday from 8pm, supported by Nebula. Tickets are £7.

For details call the Town Hall on (01388) 602610.