The crew of Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat were called out on Sunday afternoon, to check on the safety of a stand–up paddle boarder who was sighted a long way offshore and thought to be in trouble.

The crew launched just before 2pm and Lifeboat coxswain John Fox said: 'We understand that Humber Coastguard received a couple of calls from people who had spotted the paddle board in the distance and were concerned for the welfare of the stand-up paddler.

We launched to check that he was okay, as he was about a half a mile offshore. When we arrived he told us that he didn't need any help and that he intended to paddle around the Stamford Buoy before returning to shore.

'Pakefield Coastwatch told us that they would continue to monitor his progress from their base in the old lighthouse near Pontins Holiday Centre, so we returned to port.

'We would advise anyone intending to go out to sea to wear a lifejacket and also to contact the coastguard before they go, to let them know their intentions.'