THE Christmas Eve storm took its toll on Alton and the villages with roads closed and power lines damaged by flooding, fallen trees and flying debris, leaving many households without power over the festive period, and without water.

The rain and storm force winds brought misery for thousands, who were without light and heat, making travel perilous, and causing damage to property at a time when traditionally the country grinds to a celebratory standstill.

Some homes in the Alton area were without power for up to five days after the storm which, in the early hours of Christmas Eve, knocked out 130,000 homes in the towns and villages across Hampshire.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.