VOLUNTEERS have rescued an elderly woman who was stranded in her flood-hit Stourport home.

St John Ambulance members came to the aid of the 83-year-old who was unable to leave her static home in the town due to rising floodwater on Sunday.

First aiders Richard Brown and Adam Hoskins used one of the charity's 4x4 vehicles to reach the woman. At the request of Worcestershire County Council social services, the pair transported the woman, who was suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, from her property to a nursing home.

St John Ambulance regional emergency operations officer Jon Mannion said: "We were called just after 1pm on Sunday and by the time we had reached the woman just over an hour later, the site was totally underwater with up to 18ins standing floodwater from the nearby River Severn and it was continuing to rise.

"Luckily our vehicles are built to deal with these conditions and Richard and Adam were able to safely access the woman's home and get her to a place of safety."

The vehicle is kitted out with specialist equipment to deal with medical conditions and volunteers are highly trained to deal with any medical emergency that may arise with their patients.

St John Ambulance is the UK's leading first aid charity but also plays a key part in regional emergency response operations during times of crisis.