A couple on holiday in Kingsdown were rescued after a walker taking an afternoon stroll raised the alarm after he saw their dinghy capsize twice.

Tim Waite, from Walmer, has been praised for his quick thinking by Denis Brophy, Walmer Lifeboat operations manager.

Mr Brophy said: "The two people are indebted to Mr Waite for quickly realising the danger they were in. He did not hesitate dialling 999 and asking for the coastguard.

"Sea water temperature is still relatively cold and when people are in the water time is of the essence. In this case a tragedy appears to have prevented by the quick actions of Mr Waite and the very fast response of the lifeboat."

Walmer's RNLI inshore lifeboat was called out just before 2pm to reports of people in trouble in the water half a mile off Kingsdown.

The inshore lifeboat was alerted by coastguards and within eight minutes of the 999 call the lifeboat was on scene and plucked the two people out of the sea.

Walmer Lifeboat volunteer press officer Andy Roberts said: "The female was very cold and was wrapped in a thermal blanket by the crew. They were both landed on the beach at Kingsdown very close to their holiday home, and the dinghy was taken under tow to Walmer Lifeboat station."

* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury, May 12.