SILLOTH RNLI has rescued five holidaymakers who were stranded in a BMW on a flooded road.

The RNLI were called out to help the car that had become stranded on the road yesterday.

The car had got stuck on Marsh Road in between Skinburness and Calvo.

The BMW had five passengers who were advised to stay in the car until help arrived, as it was impossible to see the edges of the road and the sides of the dyke.

A spokesperson from Silloth RNLI said: "The RNLI took their county tractor up to the scene along with the L200, lifeboat crew in dry suits and shore crew.

"The lifeboat crew evacuated the BMW by carrying the casualties to the L200 and the tractor was able to then pull the car through the flood towards a recovery vehicle from Egertons which was waiting on the Calvo side of the flood."

Also in attendance were Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Maryport Coastguard and paramedics.

The five people in the car, all of whom were on holiday, were taken to dry land.

Three were taken to Carlisle railway station to catch a train home, and two were taken to the beleaguered car to await recovery.

The RNLI tractor was taken back to the lifeboat station, where it was made ready for service again.