A STUDENT has saved a man after he accidentally drove a vehicle into a lake at the University of Reading.

The woman was returning from an exam when she spotted the man in distress and immediately dived into the water to help rescue him.

Pulling him free through the window, the brave bystander, who did not want to be named, then returned to the sinking vehicle to grab the driver's wallet and phone.

The driver was taken to hospital as a precaution and treated for a minor head injury and mild hypothermia.

The student's proud father said: "The only way out for the driver because the door wouldn't open was through the window.

"After a struggle she pulled him out.

"The driver was very concerned about his phone and wallet and whilst two guys held the vehicle partially up the student went back in and got his wallet and phone.

"He had a head wound and was covered in blood.

"An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital."

The student then picked up her bag and went back to her home soaking wet and covered in mud and blood.

A spokesman for the university said: "At around 11.15 this morning there was and employee from our accommodation partners UPP who was driving a small vehicle which transports wheelie bins.

"He did not have anything attached to the vehicle at the time but ended up in the lake.

"We are now investigating how this happened.

"Some students were passing and saw it and managed to get him out of the vehicle and out of the lake.

"The gentleman was then taken to hospital as a precautionary measure."

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 11.19am today to reports that a vehicle had been driven into the lake.

"We sent one of our officers and an ambulance to the scene.

"The patient had a minor head injury and mild hypothermia and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital."