Features

The flooding that hit parts of the Midlands in July 2007 were among the worst in living memory. Areas of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Shropshire were among the worst affected.

The unprecedented summer of flooding saw three people die, hundreds made homeless, and many more suffer disruption to their lives in a way they had never experienced before.

High levels of rainfall meant that river channels, drains and flood defences became quickly overwhelmed.

In the first part of the series, BBC Midlands Today's weather expert, Simon Keeling explains what triggered the heavy rainfall.

One of the most devastated areas last summer was Shropshire's Severn Valley, where millions of pounds damage was caused to the area's historic steam railway.

Our Environment and Science correspondent, David Gregory takes a look at the restoration of a series of bogs in Shropshire to help manage water flow for the future.

Many people living in areas of the Midlands most at risk from flooding have failed to sign up for a free flood warning service.

Paul Lockhart from the Environment Agency has explained that the service has a high rate of accuracy and could prove to be invaluable.

The newly restored watermill

Life after the floods

In our third report, BBC Midlands Today's Joanne Writtle revisits a watermill in Shropshire which has reopened a year after it was damaged by the floods.

The 19th Century Grade II-listed mill has been completely restored is now fully open to the public.

The Floods Minister, John Healey has announced that approximately £15m in extra funding will be given to areas affected by the summer floods.

Mr. Healey spent time in Tewkesbury, visiting a family who have been forced to live in a caravan since last year's flooding.

Memories of the floods

Emergency services in Gloucester were in a fight against time to save a power station from rising floodwaters.

A member of the team that helped save the Walham sub-station has revisited the site and recalled the dramatic events one year on.

The flooded streets of Tenbury

Christian Wilcox from the Environment Agency worked alongside colleagues in dangerous conditions to build an important flood defence.

In the fifth special report, residents from Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire spoke about their memories of last year's devastating summer floods.

Many small businesses suffered extensive damage and some shop and home owners are still working hard to fully refurbish their properties.