A man who could have drowned after his car plunged into a dyke on the Deal to Sandwich Road has thanked the people who helped him.

Ian Squire, 59, of Havelock Road, Walmer, was driving home from work last Friday when he and another vehicle decided to overtake a car on the A258 straight near Hacklinge.

The manoeuvre resulted in his yellow Corsa overturning and being forced into a roadside dyke, opposite Homemead Lane.

He said: “It was like clapping your hands, it happened so quickly and then I was in this dyke. The windscreen was smashed and water started coming through. I was upside down in my seat. I thought: ‘I’ve got to get out of here or I’m going to drown.’”

Mr Squire, who remained conscious, was able to lean across and unwind the passenger side window and escape.

'I then wriggled out of the car and got onto the bank. I was soaking wet and there were all these people on the bank asking how I was.' - Mr Squire

Among the good samaritans were two roofers in a white van, who took their clothes off to give to Mr Squire.

He said: “The white van man has always got a bad reputation on the road but the two guys who gave me the most help where two men in a white van, from Ash.” But he did not get their names.

"I then wriggled out of the car and got onto the bank. I was soaking wet and there were all these people on the bank asking how I was.”

“I was trembling uncontrollably. They wrapped me in blankets and then gave me their hoodies and coats. We then sat in their van with the heating blasting out, one was bare chested and the other one was just wearing a vest. One of them gave me his phone so I could call my wife.”

Mr Squire was also aware of a young lady who had a small child in her car. She phoned the ambulance and stayed at the scene until it arrived.

His wife, Linda, arrived a shortly after and was greeted by a couple of hospitable Martha Trust workers, who allowed her to park her car on their land and offered her a cup of tea.

Mrs Squire said: “They were very sympathetic.”

She added: “I just wanted to thank all the people that helped because it really was quite a horrendous event.

“Thank you to the two guys and the young lady who phoned the ambulance and anyone who contributed on the day.

“The ambulance people were brilliant too. I’ve been truly amazed that people who don’t even know me, care.”

Mr Squire, who works for the Stevens and Carlotti metal work company in Sandwich, said: “The car was two thirds under water.

“If I’d have been unconscious I could have drowned. I was extremely lucky.”

He was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution but escaped with just a bruised clavicle and scratches.

If you are one of the good Samaritans, Mr Squire would like you to get in touch so he can offer his sincere thanks. Call him on 01304 367854.