ABINGDON will have its first flood fair tomorrow night.

The free event at the Guildhall from 6pm to 8pm will offer advice on protecting family and home during floods.

Homes, gardens and business in Abingdon were flooded last November when the river Ock burst its banks.

The idea of a flood fair was put forward by Abingdon Town councillor Alice Badcock.

She said “The council is very aware of the problems which flooding has caused in the past and has helped in a variety of ways, from its works team helping deliver sandbags through to maintaining vigilance on planning applications and awarding grants to flood action groups.”

Abingdon mayor Sam Bowring said: “My family were affected by flooding in 2007 and had to move out of our home for some time. We are bringing together a number of organisations to give practical advice on how to prepare for flooding and how to protect property.”

The initiative is backed by the Environment Agency, Vale of White Horse District Council, the National Flood Forum, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and the Ock Valley Flood Group.