CHAOS struck Stourbridge canals after banks burst and millions of gallons of water poured out of the network.

A section of around three miles drained into the river Stour during the early hours of Sunday September 7, leaving narrow boats marooned on mud banks.

A 40-foot section of the canal bank collapsed in Wollaston as the region was swamped by a weekend of persistent heavy rain.

The canal between Stourton and Wollaston was completely drained during the deluge, the clear-up and repair of the waterway will take many months to complete.

Stourbridge Canal Trust at the Bonded Warehouse in the town also suffered flooding after the river Stour and canal both overflowed.