A woman Channel swimmer had to be rescued and taken from her pilot vessel after suffering sunstroke today.

She had become unwell about 11 miles from Dover during the present heatwave with temperatures reaching 34C.

Dover Coastguard had asked the port’s RNLI to go out to help at about 9am.

The Severn class City of London II met with the vessel near the Varne Light Ship to take the casualty to shore for medical attention.

Paramedics there, from South East Coast Ambulance Service, discharged the casualty following treatment.

It was was found that she did not need to be taken to hospital.

The woman had been part of a Channel swim relay team on a local pilot vessel.

James Clapham, coxswain for Dover RNLI, said: "It appeared the casualty was suffering from sunstroke, which was later confirmed by SECamb when we returned to Dover Harbour for the woman to be treated.

“Our message to all afloat and at the seaside this summer is to ensure they stay hydrated and protected from the heat with periods of shelter to stay cool.”

Get more advice online of how to #RespectTheWater at rnli.org and respectthewater.co.uk”