A REDUNDANT birthing pool pump came in handy this week when a marquee flooded.

Organisers of Grassington Festival woke yesterday to find the area at Colvend Car Park, where the marquee is sited, ankle-deep in water.

With comedian Joe Brand due to play in the marquee tonight and the headline closers, Irish rock band The Saw Doctors, on Saturday, they spent much of the day bailing out.

Festival director Amelia Vyvyan said: "It was a bit worrying, but everyone around here, even those not involved in the organisation of the festival, came and helped out in real Dunkirk spirit.

"I can't thank everyone enough for all their help.

"One woman from the village even brought along a birthing pool pump to help pump out the water. Everything should go ahead as planned, but we would advise people to wear sensible footwear," she said.

Mrs Vyvyan added that the organisers had encountered a few difficulties in getting performers to the venue in the wake of floods elsewhere.

They had sent transport to pick them up, and one or two had had to stay longer in Grassington than planned because they were unable to get home.

"It's the fourth or fifth year we've held events in the marquee, but this is the first time the weather has been like this. I am just grateful to everyone who has helped out," she said.