AN AIR sea rescue helicopter had to be scrambled to Barnsley to rescue a couple from the river Dearne - the picture shows the swollen river nearly touching the road bridge.
The man and woman, both 21, had become stranded near the Mill of the Black Monks at about 2pm where the river had burst its banks.
They were clinging onto a tree and six firefighters tried wade through chest-deep water to get to them but could not fight against the current. The air sea rescue helicopter was called iand winched them free and took the pair to Barnsley Hospital.
Fire crews were stretched across the borough over night and this morning are still continuing their efforts.
• Full report and pictures in a special free pull-out in Friday's Chronicle.
