A YOUNG teacher is lucky to be alive after her car crashed in the torrential rain which swept Oxfordshire on Friday.

The teacher, who has not been named, was trapped in her vehicle near South Newington.

She was released by firefighters from Banbury and Hook Norton.

The woman was uninjured but suffered from shock and was taken to Banbury's Horton Hospital for a check-up.

Her car left the A361 at the top of South Newington Hill and ploughed through 30 yards of undergrowth before hitting a tree.

Station manager Chris Wilson, of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, said "I was at the scene at the time of the incident and I know that this was a very lucky escape.

"Cars travelling in both directions were missed by the narrowest of margins and I am glad the young lady is unhurt."

Mr Wilson said rain showers like Friday's caused 'absolute chaos' on roads.

He said: "Drivers should never be complacent about driving too fast in wet weather or being distracted when using mobile phones.

"After a hot spell, rain causes absolute chaos for the roads.

"For safety's sake, please slow down."