For anyone needing to shift large volumes of water in a hurry, Lincolnshire dealer Robert H Crawford and Son has a solution.

As of late last year, the firm has been importing Canadian-built Watermaster floating pumps, which are fitted with an integrated 5.5hp petrol engine.

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This makes them suitable for working in remote locations, carrying out tasks such as draining flooded parcels of land, protecting buildings against flooding, fighting fires and aerating lakes or ponds.

The pumps are self-priming and the impeller provides enough power to move 3,183 litres/min. It can also pump a 9.14m head and will work over distances of up to 915m on the level.

Retail price is £2,300, which includes 120m of hose. An extra 120m costs £375.