A HEROIC farmer with a forklift truck helped rescue a stricken motorist.

John Holmes responded to a call for help from a man and his dog trapped in a 4x4 vehicle in the middle of the swollen River Browney.

Visibility was poor and the water levels had risen quickly above the bonnet due to melting snow, making access almost impossible.

Mr Holmes, 60, of Witton Gilbert, near Durham, assisted crews February by using his telehandler vehicle and extended the forks to secure the trapped vehicle.

He had to drive the vehicle into the flooded and fast flowing river and lower the forks onto the trapped vehicle and prevent it from moving.

He has now been awarded a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation in recognition of his brave lifesaving actions.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Mr Holmes selfless and gallant actions to assist with the rescue of the trapped driver during an extremely dangerous situation, undoubtedly stropped the vehicle being swept away and saved the lives of the driver of the vehicle and the much-loved family pet.

“Well done and thank you.”