TORRENTIAL rain left a number of North Yorkshire households recovering from flash flooding today.

And an important East Yorkshire-based cricket match was abandoned after yesterday's heavy rain soaked the pitch.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service turned out to at least 16 homes after they were affected by flooding.

Homes were affected in Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley, Monk Fryston, near Selby, and Helperby, near Easingwold.

At Stamford Bridge's Low Catton ground, Yorkshire were playing Lancashire in a second eleven championships match when the heavens opened at about 3.45pm.

Spokesman Alan Barker said: "It was coming down like stair rods, the pitch was underwater in a matter of minutes.It looked to be heading for a draw anyway." Sunny spells were forecast for this afternoon, with top temperatures of 23C (73F).

But more showers are expected tomorrow with temperatures a "sticky" 25C (77F).

Updated: 10:45 Friday, July 18, 2003