Blyth boy goes out in kayak on flooded streets 12 years after dad on 'Thunder Thursday'

Paul Roper, left, and his son, Bobby, left, take to the flood streets of Blyth in a kayak
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A dad who hit the headlines after being photographed kayaking on a Northumberland street following heavy rain has had the moment recreated but this time by his son.

Paul Roper, 44, was pictured in his kayak on a flooded street in Blyth 12 years ago on what has become known as 'Thunder Thursday' and was featured in the newspaper. Now, his son, Bobby, has recreated the moment after the town was once again hit by severe flooding.

Paul said: "I remember that day. He was actually in my wife's belly at the time. It was pretty surreal to see him doing it as well, we thought it would be a one off.

"Our street was pretty badly flooded at the time as it was Thunder Thursday back in 2012 and I thought I would get my kayak out."

On Thursday, June 28, 2012, people on Tyneside and across the wider North East experienced the most ferocious downpour in living memory. It's unlikely anyone caught up in the events of that dramatic day will forget it.

There was widespread flooding across the region, causing huge travel disruption and thousands of people were left without power.

The family live on Barras Avenue and despite thinking the events of Thunder Thursday would be a one off, the town has once again become the victim of widespread flooding after heavy rain hit the region.

Paul added: "It was pretty bad again again and it felt reminiscent of that day."

READ MORE: Homes and businesses flooded after a MONTH'S worth of rain hits parts of Northumberland in 24 hours

Paul said numerous homes and businesses have been flooded in the town. It has been reported more than 70mm of rain falling in just 24hrs - more than the average month of October.

He said: "The flooding has been pretty bad and a lot of businesses and homes have been impacted. A lot of people have been left without power. Quite a few people have been sleeping the community centre and pubs have opened their doors."