A BRAVE police worker who plucked a Burnley mother and baby from a raging flood is set to be presented with a top honour.

Swirling waters surrounded Zoe Whittaker’s car when the vehicle, containing her 17-day-old baby Daisy and her 16-year-old sister Jade, became trapped by a deluge in Rochdale Road, Todmorden, last June.

But without a thought for her own safety 41-year-old Tracy Pritchard waded up to her chest through the torrent and guided the trio to dry land.

Zoe, of Ivan Street, Burnley, has described Tracy as a “true heroine” as the Royal Humane Society prepares to give the modest mother-of-three one its coveted bravery awards.

She added: “It was terrifying the way the waters suddenly came up round the car.

“We were stuck in the car in the middle of the road and with the baby only 17 days old it was a terrifying experience.

“But Tracy waded out to us with no thought for her own safety.

“I can’t thank her enough for what she did and I’m delighted that she is going to receive the award. She really deserves it.”

Tracy, who works on the front counter at Todmorden Police Station, said: “It was just something I did but I would do it all over again.

“I just went into the water and helped to get them out. The baby slept through it all!

“I’m very pleased that I’m going to receive the award.”

Tracy, of Daleside, Todmorden, who is bidding to become a police community support officer, was not the only selfless soul that night.

Her five-year-old daughter Asha Hanson was kept busy looking after all the neighbours’ dogs and rabbits while the floods gripped the town.

Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, added: “More than a month’s rain had fallen in 24 hours. Flood defences had given way and a torrent of water and mud was flowing down the main street.

“Tracy had already realised a serious situation was developing and had invited an elderly neighbour and her disabled son into her home to shelter.

“Then the flood warnings sounded and she saw the car stuck in the middle of the road.

“Obviously she could have been in danger of being washed away but she waded out to the car and got the occupants back to her home where he gave them dry clothes and shelter until further help arrived.

“She richly deserves the award she is to receive.”