TORRENTIAL rain in the latter part of the festive season saw drivers and homeowners battling floods, and at least one act of lifesaving heroism.

Incidents peaked on Wednesday, December 30, when downpours caused flash flooding throughout the South Hams.

Gary Brewer, a delivery driver from Plymstock, was in the right place at the right time to save elderly couple Joanne Pool and Ralph Land.

The couple had driven into deep flood water at a notorious spot between Venton and Sparkwell, and were unable to get out of their car.

With water just inches from the roof of the vehicle, Mr Brewer waded in, smashed a window with a rock, and dragged the pair to safety, with the aid of another member of the public.

His actions were praised by emergency services, with Ivybridge Police saying later on that day: ‘We would like to say a BIG thank you to Camels Head and Modbury Fire & Rescue, the first responders and the paramedics, but most importantly to the members of the public who were first at the scene, who called 999, who then smashed the car window to help save the couple.

‘It is without a doubt their heroic efforts that made this whole incident a happy ending.’

In Modbury, there was praise for locals and passers-by who helped limit the damage to two businesses, The Old Bakery and the Exeter Inn, in the town’s main street.

The day saw Ivybridge-based firemen attend two separate incidents in the Ermington area to help homeowners deal with flooding, making it onto the BBC’s Spotlight programme in the process.

Throughout the day, Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service dealt with more than 90 weather related emergency calls, including cars in flood water, flooded properties, dangerous structures and road traffic collisions.