A leisure centre hall was flooded during torrential downpours of "biblical proportions" damaging thousands of pounds worth of gymnastics equipment.

Kestrel Gymnastics Academy was today counting the cost of damage following a mop-up operation at Tenterden Leisure Centre, after rain water poured through the roof and cascaded down onto a cupboard where the equipment was stored.

It is thought the damage to the waterlogged equipment could cost up to £10,000.

Flooding at Tenterden Leisure Centre

It happened at the end of a gymnastics session last night and parents ran down to the hall to help Gary and Tracey Crawford, who run the club, to remove heavy matting.

Gary wrote on Facebook: "We are very thankful not only for our coaches, who were quick on their feet to try and save the equipment, but also our parents, who rushed to aid us and stayed until all that could be done was done."

The couple said their equipment cupboard was half full of water, leaving crash mats and a foam landing pit mat costing £2,500, totally saturated.

Tracey said: "The water was like a little river and gushing through the doors. We are just hoping that we can dry some of the equipment out before the next training session tomorrow."

Tenterden town councillor Sue Ferguson said she was sad to learn of the damage and added: "The rainfall last night in Tenterden was of biblical proportions and drains were overwhelmed and car parks flooded."

There was minor flooding at the WHSmith in the High Street, but a spokesman said it was dealt with by staff allowing the store to open on time this morning.

Waitrose confirmed that the store car park, owned by Ashford Borough Council had also been flooded but was now open.

Serco, the operator of Tenterden Leisure Centre has been contacted for a comment.

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