FIREFIGHTERS had to use hydraulic cutting gear to free a woman driver who was trapped in her car.

The rescue happened following a two-car collision on the busy A71 bypass road at the South Lanarkshire village of Stonehouse on Tuesday afternoon.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews had to remove the roof of one of the vehicles so that the trapped motorist could be lifted out.

Incident commander Gilbert Rowan said: "An appliance from Larkhall Community Fire Station was on scene within seven minutes and it was joined moments later by one from Strathaven.

"Crews arrived to find a woman trapped inside one of the vehicles and we immediately devised a road rescue plan to ensure her safe release.

"Hydraulic cutting equipment was used to remove the car's roof which created space for her to be lifted clear. Another woman had already left the second vehicle before our arrival and firefighters provided her with oxygen. Both casualties were then taken to Wishaw General Hospital by ambulance."

The bypass was closed and traffic diverted through Stonehouse while the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday. Police Scotland said on Wednesday that both women were released from hospital .