Lifeboat crews were called to assist after a rowing boat got into difficulty near Lulworth Cove.

The rowing boat had set off from Weymouth on Saturday (18) for a training row in preparation for the Atlantic Rowing Race in December.

However, the crew struggled with strong winds and tide and were unable to make any headway - eventually calling for assistance.

Weymouth RNLI all-weather and Inshore lifeboats were launched just after 8am on Sunday (19) after Solent Coastguard reported the boat in difficulty two miles south of Lulworth Cove.

Once on scene at the volunteer lifeboat crews found that the rowing boat was a nine metre Atlantic rowing boat with four people on board.

RNLI volunteer deputy coxswain Tye Shuttleworth said: "Force four to five wind over tide conditions on scene meant that they were dealing with a 1.5 metre swell and they were unable to make headway so called for assistance.

"It was a good decision to make at the time. They were using a hand held marine band radio which did not have a very good range so communications were not good. However it was pleasing to see that they were well-equipped and were able to call for help when they needed it."

Due to the sea conditions, it was decided that the all-weather lifeboat would deal with the rowing boat and the inshore vessel returned to station.

The all-weather lifeboat crew passed a line to the rowing boat and towed it back to Weymouth Harbour - arriving at 10am where they were put on the waiting pontoon.

They were met by Wyke Coastguard coastguard Rescue Team who helped tie the boat up, took details and offered safety advice.