Overnight downpours have seen parts of the borough and across Lancashire threatened with flooding and left standing water across roads.

Train drivers travelling the Manchester to Blackpool route spotted moving flood water on the railway lines at the 'Chorley tunnel', between Chorley and Euxton, and operators immediately stopped all services to investigate.

At 8am on Monday, a spokesman for Network Rail said: "It's very early days, but we've had reports of moving flood water on the tracks at Chorley, so we've had to go out and assess it.

"We are talking to the train operators and have recovery plans in place to speed the process along.

"It is down to the sheer volume of rain we have had overnight. Unfortunately it's going to get worse before it gets better."

One delayed commuter travelling from Manchester to Chorley said: "Our train, the 7.15am Manchester to Blackpool North, was stopped just short of Adlington and we were told there was water on the line at Chorley.

"We went back to Bolton to get a bus, but then we were told to get back on a train to Preston.

"A journey that should have taken 45 minutes took more than twice as long.

"It has been an utter inconvenience, a complete joke. All the passengers are cursing, there has been no further information and it means I had to pay again to go from Preston to Chorley."

By 9am, trains were back on the move with a 20mph speed limit. The spokesman added: "As long as the water is not above the train tracks and the driver can see the top of the tracks, we're ok.

>> Five-day weather forecast

"The water has now receded sufficiently, but it couldn't have happened at a worse time than the Monday morning rush. There will be delays still, but I wouldn't like to estimate how long for."

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Watch for the catchment area of the Rivers Yarrow and Lostock which affect Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, and Croston including Leyland, Coppull, Eccleston, Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge.

The latest warning was issued at 8.17am on Monday and warns of possible flooding of all low-lying land and roads in these areas. People should be aware, be prepared and watch out and be advised that there is a possibility of further flooding.

>> School and road closures at a glance

>> Rain chaos hits Lancashire homes and schools

>> Town hall clock falls victim to rain

Have you been affected by the heavy rain? Please send us your flood stories and pictures.

To text a picture from your mobile phone, type in LEPDESK (space), any details required and attach a photograph via MMS to 07840 669770 (texts cost 25p plus your usual network fee).

To send us a comment on your mobile phone, text LEPSHOUT (space) and the text up to a maximum of 160 characters, and send to 84070

You can also leave a comment below this article using our registration system or by email, stories to lep.newsdesk@lep.co.uk and bad weather pictures to leppicturedesk@lep.co.uk