A LIFEBOAT crew was alerted after a kite surfer was seen struggling half a mile offshore.

Poole's inshore lifeboat was launched at 4.30pm on Friday after the sighting at Whitley Lake.

Lifeboat volunteers discovered two kite surfers and one wing surfer - similar to kite surfing but with a hand-held inflatable sail.

Although one was struggling with equipment, all were found to be safe and well.

Volunteer Helm, Dave Riley said: "The member of the public did absolutely the right thing, reporting what they perceived as someone in difficulty. It is always better to be safe than sorry, safety is always our priority."