A yachtsman trying to battle against gale-force winds has been rescued by the crew of Dover lifeboat.

The call for assistance came just before 1pm on Sunday, when the 71-year-old owner of the yacht, who was sailing on his own from Calais to Ramsgate, contacted Dover Coastguard to report that he was having difficulties in adverse weather conditions.

With Deputy Second Coxswain Mark Finnis at the helm, the lifeboat crew launched and quickly reached the 24-foot vessel off St Margaret’s Bay.

They found the yacht, called John Brewin, was making slow progress, and in view of the exhausted state of the skipper, the decision was made to escort the craft to Dover.

Once inside the harbour, it was safe for the lifeboat to go alongside the yacht and for a crew member to step aboard and help the owner to enter the marina and berth safely.