Cheshire woman has lucky escape after four 100 foot trees crash down on car during Storm Darragh

A woman had a lucky escape when four 100 foot trees crashed down on her car just moments because she was about to get in it.

Sue Callaghan had decided to move her vehicle after hearing the trees creaking due to Storm Darragh in the front garden of her home in Woodbank Village on the outskirts of Chester.

But, as she was getting her keys, the giant trees suddenly gave way falling onto her VW Golf covering it entirely.

"I was getting Christmas decorations out of the garage when I heard the creaking," Sue said.

"Just as I was going into the house for the car keys thinking I better move it, there was an almighty crash literally at my heels.

"The noise was terrifying and when we went outside my car was completely crushed and buried by not one but four huge trees."

Sue’s partner, Lee Brennan, had just gone into the house carrying a Christmas tree when the drama unfolded. Sue, who is a long-time business partner of celebrity hairdresser Patrick Cameron, added: "I feel dead lucky.

"I’m just so glad Lee had gone into the house ahead of me carrying our big Christmas tree. The car itself is a write-off but I think a little angel must have been watching over us."

Storm Darragh brought gusts of 93mph to some parts of the country on Saturday 7 December, with millions warned to stay indoors, tens of thousands left without power and trains cancelled.

The first victim of the storm, who was killed on Saturday morning, was named locally as football coach Paul Fiddler, with Lytham Town FC paying tribute to him on Facebook as a club “legend”.

Mr Fiddler, in his 40s, was killed after a tree fell onto his van in Lancashire at about 9am.

The club said: “A well loved coach, football player, gaffer but most of all a true friend.

“Paul, thank you for everything mate. Our thoughts are with the Lytham Town lads, his friends and family at this time.

“Rest in Peace Paul. We will miss you.”