NEXT week marks 20 years since one of the darkest days in Strabane's history - the day the river wall gave way.

In the days previous to the now infamous flood the rain had been unrelentant and at about 2.30am on October 22, the town's flood defenses surrendered, devestating hundreds of homes and businesses.

In the immediate aftermath, the Fire and Rescue Service were joined by the British Army, Search and Rescue teams and local volunteers in helping stricken pensioners to safety and distributing aid to families stranded on the upper floors of their homes.

While the waters subsided after just a few days, the government's disgraceful response to victims in the following weeks still strikes a bitter chord with the people of the town and politicians alike today.

Next week, the Strabane Chronicle speaks to those on the front line at the time and takes a look back at the Strabane flood of 1987 in pictures.