A FEMALE doctor had to be rescued by firefighters after being trapped in a ford during treacherous weather conditions.

The woman was travelling through the ford in Houndsfield Lane, Wythall, at around 8.45pm on Monday morning, during a heavy downpour of rain.

The stream had flooded and she was trapped in the middle of the ford.

Firefighters from Bromsgrove had to rescue her on a small inflatable rescue boat, and her medical equipment was recovered.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, Alec Mackie, said: "The woman did not realise that the water level in the ford was so high and got trapped.

"She was able to contact us by mobile phone.

"We would suggest people who drive through fords through force of habit that in such weather conditions they are likely to get stuck in the middle, and we would advise them to find an alternative route."

And more rain could occur over the next few days, with the weather forecast far from offering comfort. Windy and disturbed conditions are expected to persist right up to the weekend.