His employers may offer breakdown cover - but one gallant RAC man was strictly uncovered when he came to the rescue of motorists.

His employers may offer breakdown cover - but one gallant RAC man was strictly uncovered when he came to the rescue of motorists.

Faced with cars conked out in knee-deep water at New Buckenham crossroads, Dave Goodall knew exactly what to do - strip to his underpants.

Action hero Mr Goodall, an ex-soldier, waded in without trousers, socks or shoes to push two cars to safety.

The sight of an RAC man in a fluorescent jacket - but with bare legs and feet - caused something of a stir on the B1077/B1113 crossroads on Wednesday when several cars were caught in sudden floods.

Mr Goodall, 35, said he "didn't think twice" before stripping. He said: "I started to push the cars but I had about eight hours of my shift left so, rather than getting my trousers soaking wet, I took them off before pushing the cars clear. I managed to get them both out, wiped my legs and feet down with some paper towels, put my trousers back on and went back to work.

"Some boys by the side of the road said 'Is the water cold?' and I shouted back 'No, it's lovely', and the car drivers thanked me. It didn't really hit me until later on when I realised I could have cut my feet if there had been glass on the road.

"I don't see myself as hero, I was just concerned that if I didn't get the junction clear, another car could have crashed in to them."

The father-of-two from Tasburgh used an incident from his service as a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the rescue. An army vehicle got stuck in a soggy "dry" river in Canada and all men were ordered to push - after taking their trousers off.

Mr Goodall said:"People at work have laughed and said it's not RAC policy to take your clothes off, but they say I'll get a commendation. I think in the future I'll keep a spare pair of shorts in my van and some old shoes."

Boss Dave Young said: "Our patrols often find themselves in unusual and demanding situations. It's not so often they are required to strip off, but we're very proud of him for his commitment."