THE Environment Agency has issued a flooding alert for Bolton.

The warning for possible flooding comes as a fresh band of heavy rain is expected to sweep over Britain as flooded communities from South Wales to northern England continue to recover from a fortnight of downpours.

The agency says the river levels on the Upper Irwell are expected to rise as a result of new rainful tonight, going above flood alert level around 5am tomorrow.

The risk of flooding also covers Oldham, Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall and Haslingden

Levels are likely to peak on Sunday morning, between 7am and 10am.

The agency's incident response are said to be closely monitoring weather forecasts and will issue flood warnings if necessary.

Updates by the agency will be posted tomorrow.

Dan Suri, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "A relatively deep area of low-pressure system on Monday provides a continuation of the extremely unsettled period the UK has endured.

"Despite reports to the contrary, this system hasn't been named, and there is no plan to do so currently, despite some speculation on social media.

"With further rain in the forecast over the coming days, additional rainfall could create further challenges as river catchments are more likely to respond to extra rainfall more quickly. Flooding, especially in areas already heavily affected, remains a possibility."