Pensioner rescued from flash floods (From Oxford Mail)

Pensioner rescued from flash floods

12:53pm Thursday 28th June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A pensioner has been rescued by fire crews after becoming stranded in his car as heavy rain caused flash flooding in Shropshire.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the 90-year-old man was one of a number of people rescued from vehicles following downpours in the Bridgnorth area of the county.

The man was checked over by paramedics but was unhurt after floodwater rose around three feet around his car on the A454 at Worfield.

West Mercia Police said the road was closed in both directions and urged drivers to "take it easy" in waterlogged areas.

A spokeswoman said: "With heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast, West Mercia Police urges drivers to take it easy and not take any risks should they come across a flood.

"It is very difficult to tell just how deep floodwater is or what problems there might be below its surface. For their own safety, drivers should not take the risk. People have died after becoming trapped in their vehicles or even been washed away by rapidly rising water levels."

The Environment Agency warned people in the Midlands to "remain vigilant and prepared for flooding".

A spokeswoman said: "The fast-moving heavy rain going over the region is already causing surface water flooding and could cause rivers to rise rapidly. We are putting out flood alerts and in places there may be flood warnings. We're working closely with professional partners."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister David Cameron was confronted by a member of the public as he visited one of the towns affected by the recent devastating floods.

Mr Cameron was leaving the town hall in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, when Kathleen Simpson surprised him as he was getting into his car. Ms Simpson asked the Prime Minister a number of animated questions about local issues, including the floods, as he stood on the pavement.