A New Forest town hit by flooding was being visited by a special clean-up squad today.

A team assembled by New Forest District Council was touring Fordingbridge to help residents who were swamped after the River Avon burst its banks.

About 40 homes and businesses were flooded last week after days of heavy rain.

Mike Cash, the district council's cleansing manager said: "The A338 is still closed so a lot of traffic is going through the town centre.

"Because of this we'll be concentrating on residential areas affected by the mess caused by flooding.

"Our cleansing teams will be operating a pavement sweeper and a large road sweeper, and by the end of the day we should have made quite an impact."

Mr Cash said the council would also be clearing up the mess made by any sandbags that have split open.

He added: "A special collection vehicle will be in the area picking up damaged household goods free of charge.

"Anyone wishing to take advantage of this service should ring our help line on 023 8028 5959."

Homes hit by the flooding include Western Challenge Housing Association properties opposite the recreation ground.

Houses in nearby Southampton Road were also flooded, and people living at Riverside Place had water lapping at their door.

The George Inn was one of several riverside businesses in the town centre that were forced to close.