Even multi-millionaires didn't escape the floods as Sir Richard Branson's house was submerged in Kidlington.

The Virgin boss was one of an unlucky few whose houses in Mill End were not protected by the flood defences alongside the River Cherwell.

Village county councillor Maurice Billington said: "Richard Branson has been flooded. I think it's about a foot of water.

"In my friend's house, it's about 2ft deep. They had to leave the house - it was that bad.

"The flood defences have been breached in gardens in Cherwell Avenue and Queens Avenue.

"If we hadn't had that flood defence, their houses would have been flooded again."

Mr Billington said the water began to get into houses at about 3am, and peaked in height about 11am.

Kathy Walton who also lives in Mill End, said water had got into her garage but not into the house.

"We put everything upstairs just in case," she said.

"Our elderly neighbours next door but one to us have flooded and they have had to leave their home."