A tanker driver was rescued by helicopter from his cab after the vehicle became trapped in a swollen river ford.

Efforts are continuing on Tuesday to recover the 14-ton tanker from the flooded River Coquet near Warkworth, Northumberland.

The 63-year-old driver was rescued by a helicopter from nearby RAF Boulmer.

Fire crews had decided it was too dangerous for them to attempt a rescue.

The driver wound his window down and I pulled him out like the proverbial cork from a bottle

Flight Sergeant Jon Caseley

Flight Sergeant Jon Caseley went down on a winch to bring the trucker 50 feet to the safety of the helicopter.

He said: "The fire chief on the scene was not prepared to risk one of his blokes in there because the water was flowing swiftly and deep.

"We went to a 50-feet hover and I was winched down alongside the cab.

"The driver wound his window down and I pulled him out like the proverbial cork from a bottle.

"When we got him into the aircraft he was physically shaking and I don't blame him.

"He was fit and well but he was a bit scared by the whole experience."

Wildlife safe

The tanker had delivered caustic soda to a water treatment plant in Warkworth.

A Northumbrian Water spokeswoman said the driver appeared to have not realised the state of the ford at the time.

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation on the river, which is prized for its salmon fishing.

There is little risk to wildlife as the tanker was empty.