JUST under 50 years ago a devastating flood smashed through the village of Trull - and some people were literally forced to hang on for dear life.

A thunder and lightning storm with torrential rain heralded the start of the great flood of July 10, 1968, at around 5pm.

Approximately five inches of rain fell on parts of Somerset in 24 hours and torrents of water rushed off the Blackdown Hills into surrounding water courses.

Overhanging trees and branches impeded the flow for a while at Trull and the river flooded into a field at Amberd.

Cut hay was washed into the nearby Sherford Stream, causing the water to back up behind the stone walled bridge in the village, flooding surrounding houses, privies and pub.

At the height of the flood, water had risen up to the windowsills of the Winchester Arms and reached the steps of the church some 50 metres away, flooding houses along the road.

The sides of the bridge eventually gave way under the strength of the sheer volume of water and the resulting wave of water washed down the stream to Mill Lane Bridge.

There a tractor and trailer ferrying people from the caravan park to safety were swept into the river.

Fortunately, a sewer pipe halted the tractor's progress and the people clung on to overhanging branches until they were rescued.

With the sides of the bridge demolished, the flood quickly receded and by 10pm the roads were clear, when the clear up operation in the houses began.

Trull Local History Society is holding a free exhibition of pictures and stories recalling the events of 50 years ago in Trull Church Community Centre on Saturday, July 7, from 10am to 4pm.

There will also be documents, maps and pictures charting some of the history of the village through 800 years, along with a film show at 2.30pm of Trull and the surrounding villages, including images from the late 1800s.

*With thanks to Anne Leamon for details of the flood and the Nick Chipchase collection for the photos.