A couple were airlifted from a flooded river after they spent three hours with a stranded herd of 40 cows.

Farmers John and Susan Harmer waded into the Ouse at Malling, Lewes, at about 10.30am when the animals became stuck in the water.

They and their two sheepdogs led the animals to an island but became stranded themselves when the fast-rising river burst its banks.

Mr and Mrs Harmer, who run Mill Laine Farm in nearby Offham, waited with the cows as the rain continued until they were finally saved by a helicopter.

Ann Taylor, whose house overlooks the scene, said: "The cows were in a complete panic and running up and down as the water rose.

"They were struggling to stay on the highest ground possible."

The couple calmed the animals and waited to be rescued.

Shortly before 1.45pm, Mrs Harmer and her husband, each holding a dog, were winched to safety by a Coastguard helicopter.

They were flown to a nearby field as a crowd on the riverbank cheered. Neither required medical attention.

The couple, looking pale and cold, refused to comment on their ordeal.

A friend said: "Both of them are really freezing and terribly worried about the cattle."

Malcolm French, of Monk's Way, which leads down to the river, said: "Those farmers deserve a medal for staying with their cows the way they did. It was very brave."