Farmer cashes-in on floods

Stranded motorists are happy to hand over the money

A farmer is charging stranded motorists £35 a time to pull their cars out of a flooded road using his tractor.

Dennis Tanner has put up a rescue sign with his mobile phone number on it for drivers who get stuck in the three-feet deep floodwater next to his land in the New Forest, Hampshire.

So far the 39-year-old has made £455 after completing 13 rescues in three days.

Mr Tanner came up with the idea after a grateful motorist gave him money as a thank you for freeing his car in the country lane near Bransgore.

I made quite a bit on the first day and hope to get a few more calls in the future because it helps pay off the loan on my tractor.

Dennis Tanner

Fearing more motorists would get stuck, Mr Tanner tied the rescue sign to a lamppost and took eight calls on Friday, four calls on Saturday and had one job on Sunday.

Mr Tanner said: "Most drivers don't know the road and usually end up in the deepest bit which is when their cars normally break down.

"They don't mind paying for it either because they are so relieved when I turn up and get them out.

"They tend to be very embarrassed and very grateful.

Tax man

"In fact one guy paid me a generous tip as well as the £35 fee.

"The lane next to my farm always gets flooded when we have a lot of rain so I expect to carry this on for a while yet."

Dennis has informed the tax man about his latest enterprise and the charge does include VAT.

He added: "I made quite a bit on the first day and hope to get a few more calls in the future because it helps pay off the loan on my tractor."