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Elderly couple rescued from Staffordshire brook after they were stuck for FIVE hours

An elderly couple were rescued from a brook in Staffordshire after they spent more than five hours stranded in the water in cold temperatures.

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The pair had been on their way home from night out playing bingo when the woman fell in the water, in Hall Lane at about 12.30am. The man went in the water to help her, but was unable to get her out.

They were discovered by a passing cyclist heading to work at 5.30am. He phoned the emergency services when he came across them near Great Wyrley High School.

Watch Commander Richard Cooper, of Bloxwich Fire Station, said the husband had got out of the brook, but crews from the water rescue unit used a ladder and ropes to help his wife to safety.

"They had been out to the bingo and had been given a lift back. The lady fell in the water which was ankle deep. When we got there the husband was out and a police officer was standing in the water with the lady giving her support. Her husband had tried to get her out, but the sides were too steep for them so they were stuck there all night.

"We used a ladder and ropes to assist her out of the water. They were very cold.

"We would like to praise the cyclist for coming to their aid," Mr Cooper said.

Crews from Cannock and Tamworth also attended the scene.

The couple were taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for a check up afterwards.

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