TWO stranded men were rescued after becoming cut off by the tide whilst fishing at Lyme Regis.

The pair were fishing off rocks below the outer breakwater of the harbour at around 9.30pm yesterday when they became stranded.

After a member of the public called 999, Portland Coastguard alterted local officers and the Lyme RNLI Inshore Lifeboat.

The men were rescued by the lifeboat crew, who waded out and brought them safely to shore without needing to launch the boat itself.

They were then checked over by the coastguard officers but did not require medical attention.

Earlier in the day, at around 12noon, the coastguard helicopter was called to assist another RNLI Lifeboat and other vessels with the search for a boat with two people on board after alerts were received from its personal locator beacon.

The vessel, Sole Trader, was located in Lyme Bay having suffered engine problems and was assisted back to Weymouth by the lifeboat.

At around 4.30pm the Poole RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and Swanage Coastguards were tasked after reports were received of two kayakers in difficulty off Old Harry Rocks.

Both were picked up by passing vessels and the lifeboat ensured they were safely deposited ashore at Studland.

On a busy Good Friday, Portland Coastguard had also received a call that morning of reports of a Springer Spaniel that had fallen into a crevasse in rocks near Exmouth.

Local fire crews and coastguard officers successfully freed the animal.