Severe flood warning continues for Thames Valley

Rail passengers in the Thames Valley have been warned tonight that they face another two months of disruption - and cancellations - because of flooding and rising water levels on the network.

Flooding at Maidenhead means up to one in four First Great Western trains still aren't able to run. Tankers - which are in place to remove water from the lines - are on 24-hour standby at Newbury Station to keep things moving.

Many routes in and out of Paddington were able to re-open today after engineers worked through the weekend to clear lines. Our Transport Correspondent Mike Pearse reports.

The Prime Minister today defended the Government's handling of the floods crisis and promised £10m of support to get businesses trading again.

14 Severe Flood Warnings remain in place along the River Thames in Berkshire and Surrey with water levels still expected to rise in places, despite the calmer weather.

In Newbury, flood-hit residents say their homes and gardens are polluted with toxic bacteria from what's coming up through the drains. Mel Bloor reports.

Interviewees: Residents Lin Gourlay and Jo Berridge and Lt Tom Legge from 4 Rifles.

Princes William and Harry have left the flood-hit village of Datchet in Berkshire after a day moving sandbags in a "private" mission to help residents.

Read more: Torrential rain and severe gales sweep across the UK

Watch: William and Harry form human chain to unload sandbags

Odin and Luna in Wraysbury meeting up with Police Specialist Search and Recovery Team officers to help residents deal with flooding.

With thousands of young people off school next week during half-term, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is advising parents and carers to ensure that their children keep away from flood water.

More than 150 firefighters, including specialist water and rescue teams are working in the east of the county as part of intensive multi-agency operations involving local authorities, military, police and the Environment Agency.

They have been delivering supplies and medication to those cut off by the flood waters and even included some cat food to one home whose cats had run out of food.

Thames Valley Police have released this statement regarding the flooding relief operation in the area:

Prince William has suggested that reporters gathered in flood-hit Datchet should "come and help instead of throwing cameras around."

The Duke of Cambridge was speaking to ITV News reporter Rupert Evelyn shortly after being pictured alongside his brother Harry helping to move sandbags in the Berkshire village.

Read: Royals 'wanted to show support for flood victims'

Prince William approached journalists from the Guardian and said: “Why don’t you put your notebook down and give us a hand with the sandbags?”

William and Harry were spotted along with Prince Harry helping move sandbags in flood-hit Datchet.

However after reporters agreed to help, aides intervened and said it would not be possible due to a lack of appropriate clothing.