TIPTON St John has also been badly affected by the severe rain and heavy hail which took East Devon by surprise today. Tipton Garage and the local playing field are completely flooded and in some areas the river has burst its bank. George Bavidge, 66, a T

TIPTON St John has also been badly affected by the severe rain and heavy hail which took East Devon by surprise today.

Tipton Garage and the local playing field are completely flooded and in some areas the river has burst its bank.

George Bavidge, 66, a Tipton resident, said: "The storm was absolutely terrible.

"You could tell it couldn't get out of the valley-it was just going round and round.

"The lightning thrashed down then as soon as the light went out the thunder followed. "It was right above us most of the night and it was really coming down.

"We couldn't get to sleep at all. The dog was under the bed all night and it sounded like world war three out there."

George's house has escaped flooding but some of his neighbours have not been so lucky.

He added: "The river is very close to our bungalow but we haven't been flooded although our garden was at one point.

"The cottage opposite the church looks like it has been flooded as well as a few other places.

"It really wasn't expected at all. We were told there was going to be a bit of rain but it took them by surprise.

"It is so out of the ordinary that I don't think they could have foreseen this.