THE recent spell of hot, dry weather could increase the risk of flash flooding - which is why Worcester people should go to the Flood Fair on Thursday.

Organiser Mary Dhonau said: "Because of the unusual weather, the ground will be hard and dry. If we had a sudden rainstorm, the water wouldn't be able to soak in quickly enough and flash flooding could occur.

"People should take this opportunity to visit the Flood Fair and find out how to help themselves."

The fair in the Guildhall, which is being supported by the Worcester News, is the first of its kind in the country to address flash flooding rather than river floods. It came about as a result of the summer flash floods in 2004 and 2006, when many people suffered because they were not expecting it.

Ms Dhonau lives in Waverley Street, Diglis, and has first-hand experience of problems caused by flooding.

Organisations attending the fair include * Worcester City Council * Worcestershire County Council * The Environment Agency * Severn Trent * Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue * The National Flood Forum * Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

People can also ask experts about home insurance.

Last week, the city council released results of a report into some of the causes of flooding and what is being done to protect the city.

The report lists every street affected by the flooding, analyses the possible causes and suggests what can be done to stop it.

Full details will be available at the fair, which will take place between 4pm and 8pm.

Entry is free. For more information, call Amanda Davies on 01299 403101.