A council is braced for potential flooding as a dormant river has flowed for the first time in almost a year.

The Nailbourne, which typically remains dry unless heavy winter rain batters the land, is now flowing as far as Barham, near Canterbury.

It follows recent heavy rainfall across the county which has seen flooding in other areas of Kent.

The Nailbourne meanders past multiple homes surrounding Canterbury.

From Barham, the often-dry tributary makes its way to the lake at Bourne Park after passing Derringstone and Bishopsbourne.

It later becomes the Little Stour and carries on northwards before it merges into the River Stour at Plucks Gutter, near Sarre.

A Canterbury City Council spokesman said: “Our head of engineering, Liam Wooltorton, and his team are monitoring the situation closely.

“We are very clear the current situation is flow not flood.

“That said, we are poised to deploy demountable flood barriers and sandbags if needed.

“Liam is also liaising closely with the Environment Agency and Kent County Council should road closures be needed and is in close contact with the Nailbourne River Group which comprises all of the key stakeholders, including those from the relevant parish councils.”

The Nailbourne last flowed in February this year.