POP star Carl Pemberton thought he was going to die as he was dragged by currents down a swollen stream.

The Journey South heart-throb told how he thought it was the end when he was washed down the stream in Nunthorpe for five minutes after his car became submerged.

The drama unfolded at 7pm on Monday as the pop star, from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, was heading home.

He had attempted to cross a ford that had become swollen by rainwater.

The engine of his one-month-old £25,000 Vauxhall Astra Twin Top cut out and water poured into car, forcing Carl to crawl out and head for dry land.

But he slipped, was knocked under water and then washed downstream.

After being swept along for five minutes, the 25-year-old managed to grab hold of a footbridge.

The star raised the alarm at nearby Tunstall Riding School, before he was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, for a check-up.

Carl said: "It sends a shiver down my spine when I think about what could have happened. When I was in the water, I really thought that this was how it was going to end."

Staff from the riding centre helped pull the car from the water, which Carl arranged to pick up the next day.

Lynn Snaith, who has a horse at the livery, said she had recognised the singer straight away.

She said: "To tell you the truth, I know it sounds awful, but I was laughing because I just thought 'why have you tried to go through the ford?'

"He was more in shock then anything. He was absolutely gutted, bless him. A lady here gave him her horse rug to keep him warm.

"Andy (Carl's brother) came later and we got some pictures with the kids. They said they would come back and do some autographs."