Gales and heavy rain have hit the entire UK and Summerseat has been no exception. It seemed to rain constantly throughout the night and is dramatically evident in today's river level.

The Irwell is fed from the streams and moors above Ramsbottom and runs for about 15 miles to Manchester city centre and Salford where it joins the Manchester Ship Canal.

Summerseat is probably best known for being on the route of the East Lancashire Railway and many people's first glimpse of the village tends to have been from a train. In addition to the regular weekend timetable, ELR run occasional Red Rose diner specials which stop at various scenic locations for each course. Starters are often served on this bridge spanning the River Irwell in the village.

Another major attraction until recently was The Waterside pub and restaurant. The pub was always popular at weekends throughout the summer months particularly when the weather was good as there's lots of outdoor space for drinkers. It's currently up for sale after closing down in November of last year. Thankfully there are two other pubs in the village - The Footballers Inn and The Hamers Arms in Higher Summerseat.

This picture was taken off the road bridge on Railway Street and the river is much higher than usual due to what seems like weeks of constant rain. Today was very different and more like a bright late spring day.

The white-washed terrace of houses on Miller Street were originally homes to senior workers from the nearby Hoyles Mill. The main mill building was converted into The Spinnings luxury flats in the late Eighties and sits at the foot of Gollinrod Gorge. Not many people seem to be aware of the gorge and you can walk through it to Ramsbottom often without seeing anyone else.