AN elderly couple had to be rescued from the River Arrow after their car was swept away by floodwater.

The couple, both in their late 70s and from the Hall Green area of Birmingham, were crossing the ford in Coughton Lane, King's Coughton, last Tuesday evening.

But the river was swollen after heavy rain and the crossing, normally only inches deep, was too much for their vehicle.

Fire crews from Alcester and Studley were called to the scene, as well as a specialist water rescue team and boat from Rugby.

The boat was not used, however, as firefighters wearing drysuits lifted the couple to safety.

Brian George, press officer for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, paid tribute to the crews - especially Leading Firefighter John Nixon, who is based at Studley.

"He waded out to the car to make sure the couple were all right and stayed with them until we could get them out," he said.

"They both seemed very calm but they said their appearance covered how they were feeling inside."

The couple were trapped for one and a half hours.

They were checked by paramedics at the scene and taken to the Alexandra Hospital before being allowed to go home.

Coughton Lane remained closed the following day.