A team of rescuers are being nominated for a bravery award after commandeering a passing JCB to pluck a woman from freezing flood waters before she was swept away.

She had been caught in torrents close to the River Aire at Baildon after it burst its banks last Tuesday during the county's worst floods for 50 years.

Karen Brook, 40, of Dewhirst Close, Baildon, was walking with her shopping by the Shipley 4X4 Centre in Otley Road when she lost her footing in strong currents and fell into the water.

Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Keith Robinson, who oversaw the rescue operation, said: "She was swept into the car park, which was under about six feet of water, and towards the river itself."

The force of the water pushed her through a gap in perimeter fencing but she managed to cling to a post, just 20 feet from the rapids.

ADO Robinson said: "We could see the river was flowing over the top of her head. She was hanging on for dear life and kept going under."

Sub Officer Kevin MacKill, of Idle fire station, waded to the fencing, climbed on top and edged his way along to reach the woman.

ADO Robinson said: "All of a sudden we saw a JCB manned by three civilians and a police officer which was working in the area."

As extra firefighters made their way along the fence with a rescue line, the JCB edged into position.

The rescue team - four firefighters, three civilians and a police officer - formed a 'human chain' and passed the woman towards the digger.

Karen's husband Thomas, 60, said: "The people who saved my wife should definitely receive some form of recognition. It was a dangerous situation and they placed themselves into the middle of it to save her."

Mr Brook added his wife remained in Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, under observation. "She was knocked about badly and is terribly bruised. She just wants to thank the people who saved her."