A woman has been hailed a hero after jumping into a flooded ditch to save a drowning mum-of-three from a sinking car.

Patricia McGill, 40, plunged into the freezing water after seeing Eunice Uwaifo's car career across three lanes and a lay-by on the A13, in Rainham, Essex.

Miss McGill had been driving behind Mrs Uwaifo, with her fiance Paul Swift, 42.

She jumped into the stagnant water without a thought for her own safety.

Miss McGill from Stanford-le-Hope, said: "It was terrifying. I thought she was dead. She lifted her head and saw me, but couldn't reach my hand."

Mrs Uwaifo had been thrown onto the back seat of the car, which was filling with water.

Miss McGill managed to talk Mrs Uwaifo into crawling onto the vehicle's roof before she grabbed her.

Both women were then hauled to safety by Mr Swift and other motorists.

Mrs Uwaifo had broken her shoulder. She is now recovering in hospital.

Firefighters have recommended Miss McGill for a London Fire Brigade bravery award.

Firefighter Darren Mumbray said: "The victim would have drowned."

Mrs Uwaifo said: "I'll never forget what Patricia did. She is an angel."