A driver was forced to abandon his car after driving into floodwater in the Hampshire countryside today.

Fernando Lopez became the latest victim of the flooding problem that often occurs in Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, where it dips under a railway bridge.

Mr Lopez was driving to work at the Master Builder's House Hotel in Buckler's Hard when his journey came to a watery end.

His red Peugeot ground to a halt after ploughing into a flood caused by hours of heavy overnight rain.

Mr Lopez scrambled out of the vehicle and pushed it out of the water with the help of another motorist.

“I didn't think it was very deep,” he said.

Damage to the engine meant Mr Lopez was unable to drive the car, which was recovered by Forrest Rescue.