The brook is normally 'a trickle' (pic courtesy of the Shropshire Star)

The 45-year-old was returning home after visiting friends when she crossed the swollen Borle Brook in Billingsley, Bridgnorth, on Sunday night.

Her car was spun around and she travelled 75yds (68.5m) downstream.

Police arrived on Monday morning after someone heard her shouts, and officers formed a human chain to rescue her. She was cold and tired but unhurt.

"Because it was pitch black and as the car had been spun round by the current, she had become disorientated and didn't want to attempt stepping out, " said Pc Wade, one of her rescuers from the West Mercia force.

"Even when it became daylight and she could see her predicament, she was too tired and exhausted to attempt leaving the car. She just couldn't get out."

A passer by heard her shouts (pic courtesy of the Shropshire Star)

The water at the brook is normally said to be "just a trickle", but levels topped 2ft, and where the car came to standstill it was 3ft.

The woman's vehicle was gradually filling up with water and had reached the seats when she was rescued.

It is thought she had a mobile phone but could not get a signal.

"It (the car) was a couple of yards from the bank," Pc Wade said. "I managed to lean across and bang on the window.

"The windows were misted but I could see there was someone inside. I managed to put my foot on the arch of the wing and open the door."

Police have repeated warnings to drivers to stay clear of ford crossings while in flood, saying the depth and pressure of the water is deceptive and dangerous.