LEOMINSTER MP Bill Wiggin and his three young children had a lucky escape as they battled to get back to his constituency on Friday night.

Mr Wiggin and his children, aged five, two and one, first encountered problems when stuck in traffic on the M42 and were forced to take to the country roads after the M5 and M50 were closed.

But it was while travelling between Droitwich and Worcester - 10 hours after leaving London - that disaster nearly struck.

"I was driving through what looked like just a large puddle when suddenly the water went over the bonnet of the Land Rover and we started to float," he said.

"The water was about 5ft deep and I think there were other vehicles submerged. I was more fortunate and was able to carry my young children to safety on my shoulders, while wading through water chest high."

Mr Wiggin and his family found shelter at The Pear Tree Inn and Country Hotel, which provided them with mattresses to sleep on for the night.

They did not give up, despite losing the car and the following day tried again to reach Herefordshire but with flood waters rising and roads blocked, Mr Wiggin decided to return to London.

He added: "Despite not being able to reach my constituency, throughout the weekend, I have stayed in regular contact with my constituents and am fully aware of the devastation the flooding has caused.

"I will be doing everything I can to help. I have discussed the situation in Herefordshire and Worcestershire with Phil Woolas, the government minister responsible for flooding.

"I urged him to take immediate action to help my constituents and will continue to press the government."