FIVE canoeists had a lucky escape after getting into difficulties on the flooded River Tees.

The group were in the river at Winston, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, at around 3pm when they began to struggle in the flooded conditions.

A female member of the group managed to get out of the water and call 999.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were despatched to the scene, with the police helicopter also being drafted in.

It is believed that a second canoeist also managed to get out of the water, but three capsized and were washed downstream.

The police helicopter located them at Gainford, and landed to check whether they needed medical assistance.

It is not thought that any of the five, all of whom were experienced canoeists, were injured.

Inspector Russell Robson, of Durham Police, urged people to stay away from watercourses.

"If this can happen to experienced canoeists, it can happen to anyone," he said.

"There was a really grave concern for these people, and there could have been very serious consequences.

"The water flow is very unpredictable, and people should really steer clear of the water."