A LARGE section of a Dorset beach had to be cleared as emergency services responded to a serious medical incident.

The Coastguard helicopter landed on the beach at Studland on the afternoon of Sunday, June 13.

The male casualty was airlifted to Whitecliff Recreation Ground in Poole before being transferred to hospital.

A spokesperson for Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team said: "A serious medical incident on Studland Beach saw a large section of the beach cleared to allow a safe area for the Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent to land.

"Coastguards provided Initial first aid until the arrival of paramedics from South Western Ambulance and along with staff from the National Trust worked to then clear the beach.

"The male was then flown to the Whitecliff landing site at Poole to be taken to hospital.

"We would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident."