December in Dymock was the wettest month of last year, according to weather watcher Tony Denby, of Great Woodend.

Mr Denby said it had been an exceptionally dry year, with only 163 rainy days, compared to an average of 205.

Rainfall was short by nine inches and there were 144 clear, sunny days, compared to an average 102.5.

He said: "December temperature and rainfall was very close to the average for the last ten years.

"The only unusual feature was that it was the wettest month of the year, which it has not been for more than 15 years.

"There were three inches of rain in 20 days of recorded rainfall. This year, however, has been exceptional."