18 shopping trolleys fished out of river as Environment Agency prepares for Storm Alex

The Environment Agency was clearing the river in preparation for bad weather over the weekend.

The agency tries to ensure that waterways and their trash screens, the mesh that stops junk from moving downstream, are clear of rubbish and debris in case bad weather causes blockages or flooding.

While they were carrying out this work, two of the organisation’s field operations officers found and removed the trolleys.

They were surprised to discover so many.

The shopping trolleys were returned to the Boldon branch of Asda.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, as the storm hits the North East after arriving from France.

Storm Alex is also expected to bring strong winds to much of the country as it moves across the English Channel.

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