SHEEP were stranded by rising flood waters near Combe, West Oxfordshire, in January 2008.

The 23 sheep were owned by farmer, Richard Lovat, and had to be rescued from the waters of a swollen River Evenlode.

Also read: Swans take over road for Sunday stroll

The incident happened on the north side of the railway bridge over the river, around 1km west of Combe Railway Station.

The animals were eventually driven to safety by an RSPCA flood rescue team who waded and swam against the fast-flowing water to reach them.

The black sheep had to be carried to safety.