A couple who were trapped in their overturned car after an accident have thanked the emergency services and the people who came to their rescue.

‘Making snap telephone calls was so important to our survival,’ said Michael Snowling.

‘Fortunately there was no fire otherwise the end product could have been much worse.’

Mr Snowling and his wife Barbara, from Crafthole, were in collision with another car on Church Road, between Tideford Cross and Blunts, on June 18.

Their car overturned on a bank, leaving Mr Snowling pushed against the driver’s side door and his wife hanging in her seatbelt above him.

Firefighters from Saltash and Liskeard and the crew of the rescue tender from Bodmin helped get the Snowlings out of the car and into the care of waiting paramedics.

Mr and Mrs Snowling were not seriously injured, although Mrs Snowling suffered some strains because of her awkward position in the car.

Mr Snowling said: ‘We would like to say how grateful we were to see such professionalism from the ambulance, police and fire brigade.

‘Thanks must also be given to the lady whose car was also involved: making snap telephone calls was so important to our survival.’

The couple are now able to laugh about the event: ‘There were a few funny moments, for example my wife, now above me, suddenly decided she felt sick. Gravity would have made my predicament decidedly smelly!

But ‘it was very scary’, said Mr Snowling. ‘It all happened so quickly. We are shaken and stirred.’