Three young people were left red-faced when they found themselves unable to get back to shore in a dinghy – and received a ticking off from police.

Herne Bay Coastguard rescue team and Whitstable RNLI lifeboat were called to help the struggling trio, who were spotted in difficulties about 300 metres off the coast of the Kings Hall in Herne Bay.

The Coastguard received several 999 calls reporting three people in difficulty on the upturned Topper dinghy at about 6.50pm yesterday.

By the time the lifeboat arrived, they were found walking ashore - but the long-arm of the law awaited them.

Officers spoke to the three men, who advised them that they had permission to use the dinghy.

Kent Police said their enquiries are continuing.

The dinghy was towed back to Herne Bay Sailing Club by the lifeboat at about 7.30pm.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service crew was called, but no one was injured.