ON days that the rains came down, grocer John Read, of Blackburn, was faced with a damp prospect.

This picture, taken in June 24, 1969, shows Mr Read, of Whalley New Road, stood on the blocked drain debris, which was being cleared by workmen.

A dozen times in seven years his shop had been flooded. No insurance company would take care of his worries.

However the end of his problems was in sight for the 61-year-old, thanks to a burst water main.

For workmen, investigating the burst, came up with the answer to the flood problem - a lorry load of timber blocking the drain outside Mr Read's corner shop.

"Judging by the state of it, the timber has been there for 20 years. The drain was laid in 1912 and I don't think it has been touched until now," said Mr Read.

He later added: "Floods have cost me more than £200 in damaged stock."