A freak thunderstorm sparked a major mopping up operation in Tenby on Friday after nearly an inch of rain fell in just 20 minutes.

Within minutes of the monsoon-like cloudburst, which began at about 4 pm, floodwater was pouring down the resort's streets and fountaining from drains, resulting in flooding to many businesses and homes.

With 22.5 mm of rain (just under one inch) falling in a matter of 20 minutes, Tenby firefighters had to be joined by colleagues from Pembroke Dock as they fought to pump out water from houses around the town long after the thunderstorm petered out.

A wrestling match at the De Valence Pavilion had to be called off after the foyer of the building was flooded, while shoppers at the town's Somerfield supermarket found themselves ankle deep in water as the Park Road area also became badly hit.

As the water continued to cascade down Park Road, it became impassable to vehicles, leading to police having to divert traffic until the floodwater abated.

People had to be evacuated from their homes as properties in Warren Street and White Lion Street were also hit, but worst affected areas were Picton Road - where 15 properties were affected - Trafalgar Road, Park Terrace, The Paragon and Castle Square.

Crackwell Street was also hit, with water flooding the staff quarters in the basement of the Woolworths store, while rainwater also entered the Tudor Merchants House in Bridge Street.

Pembrokeshire County Council's emergency planning officer was called in to co-ordinate the authority's response, with over 30 council personnel working alongside emergency services in the aftermath of the flooding.

Working throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, they had to strip carpets from over 30 affected properties while they also provided heaters and dehumidifiers to dry out the houses.

Those people evacuated were taken to the Social Activity Centre in Greenhill Avenue and provided with refreshments before being allowed to return home on Friday night.

On Tuesday, an environmental health officer from the county council was visiting those householders affected to answer questions and distribute a number of leaflets containing public health advice.