A DRIVER has been rescued from a swollen ford that almost reached the top of his car windows.

Three firefighters in an inflatable dinghy battled to reach the man aged around 40, whose car was at risk of being swept away in nearly 4ft of water at the Land's End ford in Charvil at 9.30pm yesterday.

Watch manager David Newton, of Caversham Road fire station, said: "The car had entered the ford and had been washed downstream by about 100m.

"When we got there, the water was just a couple of inches below the car windows."

The crew pulled the driver through his window and into the dinghy, which was on a support line, and took him to the bank.

Firefighter Gary Foster, of Wokingham Road fire station, said: "He is lucky to be alive.

"The river was ripping through at a rate of knots."

An ambulance crew gave the man precautionary treatment at the scene.

The specialist water rescue crew from Caversham Road fire station carried out the rescue in 10 minutes, with support from the crews of two fire engines, a multi-role vehicle, and a rescue support unit.

The ford has become notorious for motorists needing rescuing after attempting to cross it, despite the many warning signs.

Mr Newton said: "It is an on-going concern that people still wish to drive through it.

"There are multiple signs now and a depth sign giving warning. Please be aware of the signs."