A hospital's accident and emergency department is closed after flooding hit the North West of England.

Whiston Hospital, in Prescott, Merseyside, was deluged by water after torrential rain hit the region on Monday evening.

The A and E department could be closed until Wednesday, the hospital said.

Firefighters and hospital staff spent the night removing water from the hospital and anyone needing treatment is advised to go elsewhere.

The hospital praised the "amazing response" of its staff

The hospital was also forced to close its CT scanner as a result of the floods.

Acting medical director Dr John Tappin praised the "amazing response" of his staff.

He said: "A whole posse of volunteers have come in.

"Everybody - including staff that weren't in - has come in and everyone is helping out.

"It is a massive team effort, absolutely amazing. The response is incredible."

Motorists rescued

Merseyside fire service said they received more than 300 calls.

Other areas affected included the Runcorn-Widnes bridge, and parts of Southport.

In St Helens, firefighters used the service's inflatable boat to rescue motorists who became stranded in their cars.

In Lancashire, Aughton Town Green primary school in Ormskirk is closed after being flooded.

Houses in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale also had to be pumped out.