A MAN whose car plunged into the River Frome is lucky to be alive after being rescued by heroic locals.

The 57-year-old man’s hatchback shot over the side of Wareham Quay and flew into the 10ft deep river in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Despite being trapped inside, he was eventually pulled to safety after rescuers dived into the freezing river, smashed his car window with an oar and dragged him to shore.

Paul Brenson, 43, manager of the nearby Quay Inn, said he was getting ready for bed when he heard an almighty splash.

The car had plummeted to the bottom of the river, so Paul ran outside and dived into the water. He was joined by 25-year-old teacher Steve Pugh, who was on a nearby boat.

Between them, they smashed through the black hatchback’s window with the heavy oar.

The victim, thought to be a cattle herder from Wareham, was taken to Poole hospital and kept in overnight for observation. He has since been discharged.

Paul said: “I was just about to go to sleep when I heard a loud noise outside. I looked out of the window to see a car in the water.

“Instinct just kicked in and I ran down to the water and shouted for help as my partner Susan was on the phone to the emergency services.”

When he got to the sinking car Paul found the doors were locked and he couldn’t get in.

Paul said: “I kept talking to the man and trying to get the attention of three other guys in boats nearby. One of them managed to get over to us with an oar and smash the back window.”

The victim was pulled into a dinghy and rowed to shore where he was met by police and paramedics seconds later.

Steve Pugh said: “The car was sinking quickly – we were lucky to get to him just in time. As soon as we got him out, it went straight to the bottom.

“He was obviously very shocked afterwards, but he was very happy to be rescued and thanked everyone.”

The car was recovered later that day.

Wareham town mayor Eric Osmond said: “It was great they were able to get him out. I don’t know all the circumstances, but nevertheless, they averted a tragedy.”