Hero villagers used a boat to save a driver being washed away by a raging river during floods in China.

Footage shows the residents braving the swollen river in their vessel to extract the trapped motorist inside a floating car in Hunan on July 1.

The village officer Zhao Zufeng received the distress call about the submerged vehicle with a 34-year-old driver still inside. Neighbours Zhao Nianxian and Zhao Zuqi volunteered for the rescue.

They sailed through debris and floating tree branches that were striking their boat while following the car for five miles before finally catching up to it and pulling the driver to safety. The vehicle was dragged away in the deluge.

Zhao Nianxian said: 'I didn't think twice about it. Saving lives is more important than anything.'

With Zhao Nianxian steering the boat and Zhao Zuqi at the bow, they swiftly approached the vehicle. Despite the challenging conditions, they managed to manoeuvre their boat alongside the car, carefully avoiding further hazards.

Zhao Zuqi said: 'After we reached the vehicle, we noticed the taillights were still on, indicating someone was inside.'