FLOODS are expected to swamp parts of the Westcountry this weekend as the region is lashed by heavy rains and high winds.

Residents of Helston, West Cornwall, have in particular been urged to take precautions to protect their properties, as about an inch of rain is expected tonight. Authorities are concerned that the ground is already saturated after a prolonged bout of unsettled weather. The downpours will be coupled with winds of up to 50mph.

Already, two people have died on consecutive weekends as a result of high water levels in Devon and Cornwall. Last weekend, Paula Deacon, 58, fell into a swollen river at Hessenford, in South East Cornwall. And kayak instructor Chris Wheeler lost his life when his vessel overturned on the River Dart two weeks ago.

This weekend's conditions has prompted warnings for everyone to take extra precautions.

In Tavistock, West Devon, the town's first Christmas Food Fayre was called off, amid safety fears sparked by the conditions.

Festival chairman Jeffrey Stackhouse said: "Unfortunately, at this wind speed, the marquee erectors declined to set up the units as they would certainly move and more than likely overturn."

The town's farmers' market saw one exhibitor taken to hospital last week, as a result of stands overturning, and said the forecast left "no alternative" but to cancel.

He said: "Naturally we are very disappointed but hope to explore the options of a safe venue in Tavistock so we can hopefully hold our first Christmas Fayre in Tavistock in a year's time."

However, Tavistock's Dickensian Evening was expected to carry on as planned last night.

In Helston, residents have been urged to steer clear of the River Cober and Loe Pool. Officers fear water from the pool may not be able to discharge through the beach outfall into the sea, instead backing up into the River Cober.

The Environment Agency is using specialist high-capacity pumping equipment to help increase the amount of water being discharged from the pool through the outfall onto the beach. One large pump has already been brought into the county for weekend use.

About 45 households are at risk and the Environment Agency has dropped leaflets to the properties expected to be affected.

Cornwall Council will also have stocks of sandbags available in emergencies. It can be contacted on 0300 1234 222, and information is available at www.cornwall.gov.uk

Met Office forecaster Tim Thorne said the worst weather would hit this evening, and overnight tonight, with the western part of the country taking the brunt of the foul conditions, as the fronts sweep in from the Atlantic.