Two kayakers were towed back to shore after getting caught up in a tidal race.

The pair were taking part in a sea kayaking fishing competition near Peveril Point near Swanage earlier this afternoon when they started to have difficulty in the race.

They called for help using a Pan Pan signal on VHF radio. This was picked up by the boat Bloodshot who went straight to where the kayakers were and stayed there until Swanage Inshore Lifeboat arrived.

Coastguards said the lifeboat picked up the kayakers and returned them safely to shore.

A spokesman for Portland MRCC said the kayakers did the right thing in having a hand held VHF radio with them and not relying on a mobile phone in case of emergency.