Drivers have been urged to stay away from a stretch of coastline in northern England, as a clean-up operation begins following severe floods.

About 150 people were taken to safety after their homes became inundated in the Filey area of North Yorkshire following torrential downpours.

Two adults and a baby were rescued from their car by firefighters after becoming stranded as floods virtually cut off the resort of Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police said many minor roads were still flooded on Saturday night.

Areas around Scarborough were badly hit

Emergency services have had to deal with hundreds of calls for help, some from people forced to move upstairs in their homes.

One woman called for help from her car near Scarborough Hospital, as the water level reached the windows.

She was later guided to safety.

'Flash flood'

One of the worst affected areas, Cayton, near Scarborough, was under 3.5 feet of water - the only way to enter the village was by boat.

Hundreds of sandbags are being used

Sergeant David Hannon, of North Yorkshire Police said: "It was basically a flash flood and we have been working full-out.

"We are liasing with the local council and other services and we are bringing the situation under control."

On Saturday evening, North Yorkshire Police urged drivers to stay away from Filey and Scarborough.

Salvation Army

"A lot of minor roads are still flooded and there is still a lot of work going on," a police spokesman said.

At the height of the flooding, several major roads were impassable, including the A165 Scarborough to Filey road and the A65 Seamer by-pass.

Thirty people from Parishfield estate in Filey, were being looked after by the Salvation Army on Saturday night.