A lifeboat was launched after a cruiser was caught on rocks during the night while the crew slept.

A 32-foot motor cruiser was pulled onto rocks close to Lulworth Cove after the anchor had been dragged during the night while the crew were asleep down below.

Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat Ernest and Mabel was launched at 4.40am this morning after a report from Solent Coastguard of a vessel caught on the rocks.

No-one was injured.

On the scene, a tow line was passed and the cruiser was pulled off the rocks and into deeper water.

After checking his vessel was watertight and propellers and steering gear were working, the skipper decided to carry on with his passage to Lymington.

The Coastguard requested to be kept up to date by radio with progress throughout the journey.

With the motor cruiser safely on its way, the lifeboat returned to station arriving at 7am and made ready for its next service.