Roads across Sussex were flooded after downpours led to rising water levels.

Householders and businesses were breathing a sigh of relief last night as the waters abated before damaging property.

Several roads in the Barcombe and Ringmer areas near Lewes became impassable.

But with the Met Office predicting the end of the heavy rain today, Sussex appeared to have escaped major problems.

Mark Jordan, bar manager of the Anchor Inn in Ringmer, said: "There was floodwater surrounding the pub but thankfully it didn't come in.

"The river was close to bursting its banks. It was at its highest on Thursday afternoon but the levels started going back down again."

Rupert Clubb, Sussex area flood defence manager for the Environment Agency, said last night a flood warning was still in place for the River Ouse at Barcombe.

There were also lower priority flood watches in place on the Uck, Cuckmere and Ouse at Lindfield but he was hoping these could be downgraded overnight.

A Met Office spokesman said there would be odd showers over the weekend but plenty of dry and bright weather. East Sussex County Council said last night just a few roads had been affected by flooding. These were just north of Alfriston and those surrounding Barcombe.

There was also minor flooding in the Mayfield and Stonegate areas near Crowborough but that subsided yesterday.