A RNLI team from Weymouth was dispatched during the early hours this morning to rescue a yacht in engine trouble.

Weymouth RNLI Inshore lifeboat was launched around 4am today (April 28) to help a yacht that had broken down near St Albans Head.

The Weymouth crew were called at the request of Solent Coastguard to take over a tow that had begun with Swanage's all-weather lifeboat.

A spokesman from RNLI Weymouth, said: "Swanage lifeboat had taken a Westerly 34’ motor cruiser with one person on board in tow after it had broken down.

"Due to the strong ebb tide and the request of the lone sailor to come to Weymouth. It was decided to get Weymouth lifeboat out to take over the tow.

"Weymouth Inshore lifeboat met with the Swanage lifeboat at 04.20am three miles off Durdle Door and took over the tow.

"Swanage lifeboat was then released and returned back to station while Weymouth Inshore lifeboat brought the stranded vessel back to Weymouth Harbour arriving at 05.15am."