The Earl of Wessex is to meet Sussex traders and homeowners whose properties have been damaged by flooding.

As heavy rain hampered the massive clean-up across the region and threatened further flooding, the planned Royal visit was welcomed as a "fillip" by police.

Prince Edward will first call at Sussex Police HQ in Lewes at 2.10pm tomorrow, where a temporary command centre has been established.

He will then see the devastation caused when the River Ouse burst its banks on Thursday.

He will tour the Cliffe High Street area and meet traders who are only now assessing the damage.

The Prince will then travel to Uckfield, cut in two when the River Uck burst its banks. He will meet traders from the Bell Walk shopping precinct whose shops were flooded by raging torrents.

Finally, at around 4pm, he will meet a farmer from nearby Isfield whose land was today still under water.

Police spokesman Chris Oswick said: "I think it will be a fillip for everyone on the ground and will hopefully bring some consolation as people come to terms with what has happened."

The Environment Agency reported today that some river levels had risen slightly but no new flooding had occurred.

But agency chiefs urged people to remain on their guard for rising water levels and not to become "complacent".

Four flood warnings remain in place on various stretches of the River Ouse, including the Lewes area.

Weather experts have forecast more rain throughout the week.

As the floods receded, farmers started finding the carcasses of livestock caught by rising water.

Environment Agency workers tonight continued to treat pollution from flooded sewage plants and oil stores.

Regional director David Jordan said: "There is no room for complacency and with several hours more rain likely to fall the situation could change very quickly.

"Short, sharp showers won't present much of a problem but hours of rain could be serious.

"People should watch water levels. Everyone should have a flood plan. Travel plans should be reconsidered and pets and livestock checked."