A MOTORIST found himself in deep trouble after attempting to cross a fast-flowing river in his 4x4.

The emergency services were called out to rescue the unnamed man from the treacherous waters.

Locals said it was "unbelievable" that he had tried to drive across the River Wear at Hunt Shieldford, St John's Chapel, Weardale, County Durham.

Firefighters were called out at 12.25pm on Sunday following reports that the man, who has not been named, was trapped in the vehicle.

Fire crews were sent from Crook and Stanhope, as well as an emergency rescue boat from Bishop Auckland, but they were soon stood down when the motorist managed to scramble to the riverbank to safety, abandoning his vehicle.

A spokesman for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade said attempting to cross a swollen river at the ford was "extremely ill-advised".

Durham County Councillor John Shuttleworth, who represents Weardale on the authority, said: "I cannot ever remember anybody ever getting into difficulties trying to cross that ford.

"It is something nobody has ever tried before when the river was in full spate, to the best of my knowledge."