Householders in Oxford were sandbagging their homes today as rain continued and the threat of flooding grew.

People living in low-lying Osney beside the River Thames were taking no chances as the fast-flowing water lapped the top of the bank.

The Environment Agency said river levels in the Oxford area were expected to rise after more rain yesterday and today.

Annette Steele, 62, of North Street, Osney, said: "I have lived in this house all my life and have seen the river like this before. But it has never come over the top. My neighbour brought the sandbags round but I think it should be all right. We have usually got good lock-keepers who keep the river from flooding."

Miranda Jones, of West Street, Osney, said : "I have lived here 22 years and I have never known it to flood. But it is very high. I have got my camping gear out -just in case."

Elizabeth Swan, of South Street, said she had used sandbags to protect her shed, which she had converted into an artist's studio. She said: "I contacted the police on Saturday to ask how I could get sandbags. Everyone has been very helpful."

Many fields in the flood plain in Oxfordshire are under water and the Environment Agency warned people to remain vigilant.

A spokesman said: "It is a complicated picture, because although levels are falling, with the rain we've had overnight, there is likely to be a slow rise again."

He said that further rainfall of up to half an inch was expected over the next 24 hours, but the effects of this would not be seen for a couple of days at least.

Flood warnings are still in force for the River Thames downstream from Wallingford to Teddington.