Severe rain has caused flooding in areas of west Cornwall.

Fire crews were called to pump out a number of homes in Praze-an-Beeble and the main square at St Just in Penwith was affected.

Motorists are facing disruption due to standing water on the A30 at Hayle and the A39 Truro to Falmouth Road.

There have also been reports of flooding in areas of Penzance, Helston, Camborne and Redruth. The Environment Agency also issued a flood alert.

'Mini-tsunami'

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Jane Allen who runs the St Aubyns Arms pub in Praze-an-Beeble, said: "The water swept down along the road and into the square and flooded several homes there.

"We hadn't expected this, but a number of homes have their own flood defences and put those in place to stop any really bad damage."

Mrs Allen said changes to the course of the River Beeble had reduced the frequency of flooding but she had been surprised by the amount of water.

"It's very worrying because it's always a long time before the damage is repaired," she said.

David Hawkin and his wife Sally were at home with their children when up to 3ft of water swept along the street.

"I opened the front door and it was like a mini-tsunami coming along."

Mr Hawkin said he and the family tried frantically to clear drains in the hope they would be able to cope with the downpour.

"The drains were just full of leaves and debris so there was no chance for us."

Between 1800 GMT and 2200 GMT on Monday up to 20mm of rain fell in a four-hour period in Camborne.

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