A FAMILY have been left homeless after flood water surged into their home, causing about £50,000 worth of damage.

Tim and Heidi Woodgett, who live in Ancient House, in Colchester Road, Ardleigh, were awoken by the family dog, Josh, at about 5am on Thursday morning and when they went downstairs they found their house under several feet of water.

Two thirds of the rainfall expected for May fell in Colchester in just 13 hours overnight between 10pm last night and 11am this morning.

Some 28mm was dumped on the town, which is the equivalent of 67 per cent of the May monthly average of 41.7mm.

FOR IN DEPTH COVERAGE, SEE FRIDAY'S GAZETTE FOR A SPECIAL THREE PAGE REPORT.