By Matthew Leggand Jenny Barwise

Last updated 20:36, Sunday, 07 September 2008

Cumbria escaped the worst of the damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds that swept across the country this weekend.

Swollen: Dozens of river throughout Cumbria were put on flood watch, including the River Cocker f at Cockermouth

At one point twenty four flood watches were issued on county rivers including the Eden, Caldew and Petteril in Carlisle and the Cocker, Derwent and Marron in the west of the county.

All but two - flood warnings at Keswick campsite and the Upper Derwent from Seathwaite to Derwent Water - have now been removed.

Everywhere else in the county has been given the all clear. 

Yesterday, mountain rescuers spent three hours trying to find two walkers who hit trouble in appalling conditions while taking part in the three peaks challenge. The Wasdale rescue team were called to Piers Gill on Scafell Pike and the men were found near the top of the Gill.

A spokesman for the rescuers said too many people are trying to climb the fell without the right equipment. 

In Dalston, fire crews evacuated livestock from a farm and pumped water from outbuildings.

A landslide was reported on the west coast rail line at Nethertown station, at about 1pm yesterday.

One train was delayed at St Bees station for 10 minutes at 1.30pm after the area was inspected.

Trains were then allowed to pass the area at 20 miles per hour.

The landslide happened between the railway and the sea wall.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “The line hasn’t had to be closed fortunately.

“We have been able to allow trains to go past the site at a reduced speed restriction for safety.”

He added that it had not had any impact on the train services.

During the weekend, Network Rail, will carry out work to repair the area.

In Workington, Friday's Premier League speedway match between Workington Comets and Stoke Potters was called-off after heavy rain fell all day.

The worst may be yet to come with though, with forecasters predicting heavy rain and strong winds this aftrenoon, before eventually clearing tomorrow.

Walney Island, Barrow, suffered the highest rainfall yesterday with 32.2mm falling in 24 hours.

The Environment Agency says Cumbrian householders at risk of flooding should check flood risks by calling Floodline on 0845 9881188 or using the online postcode checker at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood

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