A mother has thanked the dozens of bystanders who came to her daughter's aid when she suffered a fit in the sea.

Sharon White was soaking up the sunshine with her family on Pakefield beach before heading into the sea with her daughter, Meghan, and niece, Katie.

As the trio enjoyed a welcome dip about 20 metres out from the shore, Meghan - who suffers from epilepsy and frequently experiences seizures - complained of feeling unwell and suddenly dropped below the water's surface.

'One minute Meghan said 'mum, I feel a bit funny' and the next she just dropped and went under the water,' said Miss White, who is 44-years-old and lives in Lowestoft.

'Luckily I managed to get her head above the water, but I was really struggling so I screamed for help as loud as I possibly could.

'As soon as people on the beach heard me screaming, so many of them came over to help me - it was amazing.

'There was a lady who came out with a blanket and a bodyboard, there was a young lad who ran barefoot on the sharp stones to get a lifeguard, and there was a man who rested her head when we reached the shore. Everyone was so helpful.'

With Miss White running low on energy and fighting to stay upright, those who had rushed into the sea pulled Meghan onto the bodyboard to prevent her back from scraping against the stones in the shallows.

Having finally made it to the beach, onlookers continued to care for Meghan and the 19-year-old was subsequently provided with medical attention by lifeguards.

Fortunately she has made a full recovery and her mother emphasised how grateful she was to the complete strangers who made the effort to lend a helping hand.

'It was all a bit scary, but when Meghan came round she was absolutely fine and she managed to enjoy the rest of her afternoon,' added Miss White.

'The reaction from everyone on the beach was fantastic to see. Everyone was so helpful and the experience has restored my faith in Lowestoft given we hear so many negative things about the town these days. It's really lifted our whole family's spirits.'