The 22-year-old driver and a girl, 16, were trying to cross a ford in the River Wear at Stanhope at 2050 BST on Wednesday, when they became stuck.

Police and fire crews were called, but were unable to reach them and a helicopter crew from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland was called to the scene.

The man from Rowlands Gill and the girl from Consett were not injured.

A Durham Police spokesman said on Thursday: "The occupants of this vehicle had a lucky escape.

"While the use of such fords is safe under normal conditions, road users should be aware of the weather conditions and use the most appropriate route if their journeys are essential."