Father is re-united with family

The Uptons were finally reunited after 24 hours apart.

A South Yorkshire man has spoken of his family's ordeal after torrential floods hit north Cornwall.

Tony Upton, 59, from Doncaster, spent the night in an emergency centre after being separated from his wife.

Although she phoned on Monday evening, Mr Upton said he was becoming increasingly worried until they made contact around 15 hours later.

Their teenage son John was rescued by a human chain after being stranded on top of a floating car.

Playing tricks

The family became separated when John stayed in the family's vehicle while his parents went for a walk in the town.

When the flood water engulfed the village Mrs Upton became stranded at the opposite end of the bridge to her husband, and their son was trapped in the car.

The youngster was pulled to safety and was reunited with his father but Mrs Upton had to shelter at a B&B for the night.

"I kept telling myself that I wasn't worried but you do panic in these situations," said Mr Upton.

"We hadn't heard from her since a muffled phone call last night and we kept hearing stories of buildings and walls collapsing and your mind starts to play tricks on you."