The devastating floods - one year on

The devastating floods of 2007, which began a year ago today, caused damage running into tens of millions of pounds and lasted for nearly two months. The Shropshire Star looks back in a special supplement in today's paper - on sale for 38p.nextpage

The floodwater wrecked four Shropshire bridges, many local roads and a railway line. nextpage

It left people homeless, led to the closure of businesses, devastated the agricultural economy and caused human misery on an unprecedented scale in the area for people like the Baker family of Hampton Loade.nextpage

But, one year on, Shropshire's residents and businesses are united in their determination to make sure it does not happen again.nextpage

Experts have worked with ordinary members of the public to draw information and experience together to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone.nextpage

Environment workers have teamed up with farmers to clear culverts and riverbanks. Now, more than ever, Shropshire is equipped to deal with the worst of the elements.nextpage

The most dramatic symbol of last summer's flooding was the collapsed Burway Bridge, in Ludlow. nextpage

It had genuine poignancy. Now, however, the area where the bridge once stood, is an area of regeneration.nextpage

Teams of workers are busily constructing a new £1 million structure, that has been designed to withstand weather conditions more atrocious than those experienced last year.nextpage

The Severn Valley Railway has been given a new lease of life, after suffering £3.5 million worth of damage. nextpage

John Leach, spokesman for the railway, says: "The response from the public, the volunteers and the staff - in fact, from everybody connected with the Severn Valley Railway - has been phenomenal."