Homes were under threat after torrential rain caused Pickering Beck to rise by about 1.2 metres above normal levels.

Sandbags were issued to people in the Sinnington and Pickering area from around midnight on Saturday and a meeting was held between council officers and emergency services to deal with the incident.

The situation in Pickering has now been downgraded from severe flood warnings to a flood watch.

Water levels downstream from Pickering in the Malton and Norton area will continue to rise over the next 15 hours and residents have been urged to remain vigilant.

The River Rye has also burst its banks in places.

Residents have now called for better flood defences after the incident brought back memories of the major flooding last June when Pickering was underwater.

Topsy Clinch, 91, prepared for the worst as water surrounded her home in Beck Isle, Pickering, and came up to her drive.

Her home has been hit by flooding five times in the last 10 years, which has cost her thousands of pounds in repairs.

Mrs Clinch, who is a member of the Pickering Flood Defence Group, said: "We're praying and hoping the water doesn't come any further up. The Environment Agency have got to help us with the problem of flooding. We're so sick of it."

Her neighbour Peter Croot said: "The situation is very disturbing but I think we're going to be okay. We should have proper defences."

Meanwhile volunteers and members of Pickering Lions had lifted out items at Beck Isle Museum while others were raised on blocks.

Chairman of the management committee Roger Dowson said: "Last June the museum was very badly flooded. It went right the way through, costing about £25,000 worth of damage and we lost business.

"The flooding is going to keep happening unless something is done about it."

Howard Keal, a spokesman for Pickering Flood Defence Group, said: "I'm absolutely outraged. This was predicted and preventable because of the major floods of June last year.

"What's absolutely heartrending is that until defences are put in place this is an ever-present threat. People shouldn't have to live in the shadow of that fear and anxiety."

Cllr Ken Kitching and Cllr Brian Baker were in Memorial Hall to give residents advice on the floods and answer questions.

Representatives from Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the Environment Agency set up a base at Ryedale House in Malton.

Janet Waggott, chief executive for Ryedale District Council, said: "We're continuing to provide on-the-ground help and support. However, it appears there are still problems with gullies backing up and our staff will continue to provide assistance."

Area incident manager Kim Andrew added: "We anticipate that the situation will improve. However, there is further rainfall forecast and people should remain vigilant."