A SEARCH for a vulnerable man on Portland saw the Coastguard rescue helicopter take to the skies.

Officers from Wyke and Portland Bill coastguard rescue teams scoured an area of 'difficult' terrain on the island yesterday in a bid to locate the man.

Coastguards were called at around 4.34pm - and initially it was thought that the team would be tasked to help colleagues at Ringstead who were involved in rescuing people stuck on cliffs.

"We were hoping things would calm down a bit as we started September but alas no," said a spokesman for Wyke coastguard.

"We soon learnt we had been held back to go and back up Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team with a search for a vulnerable male.

"A thorough search of a relatively small, but difficult terrain was searched. A possible sighting of the casualty was also investigated.

"As rescue (helicopter) 175 arrived on scene, and with the search area widening, the good news that our casualty had been located safe and well was received.

"Wyke then left for cliff training under the full moon."