CREWS from Kidderminster Fire Station remain in Derbyshire this evening as work continues to stop a dam from bursting and flooding a town.

Whaley Bridge residents are spending a 5th day out of their homes because of the partial collapse of a dam wall at Toddbrook Reservoir, which became damaged following flash floods.

A Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crew from Kidderminster travelled to the scene on Thursday evening, equipped with a high volume pump, to assist with rescue operations, and are expected to remain on site until at least Tuesday.

The crew, under station commander Lee Watson, joined personnel from services from across the country in an attempt to reduce the water level in the reservoir and alleviate pressure on the dam.

A Hereford & Worcester Fire Service spokesman said: "The deployment was part of a national co-ordinated response featuring a number of agencies.

"Operations continued through the weekend and into Monday, when station commander Watson returned to base to be replaced by group commander Stuart Crebbin, with the crew expected to remain on site until at least Tuesday."

They said a relief crew will be heading to Derbyshire on Tuesday to take over from the current crew.

31 residents, including a "small number" who were initially evacuated but have since returned to their homes, remain in 22 properties in the evacuation zone in the town of Whaley Bridge despite warnings of catastrophic consequences if the the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir collapses.

Around 30 to 40 per cent of the reservoir's water is said to have been removed over the last five days.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has visited the dam, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit on Friday.