Staff at the Dover Coastguard headquarters are staging a strike today over pay.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency warned that only a limited service would be provided, although a radio watch will be maintained with full search and rescue services available for any emergency.

The action is being taken by those responsible for coordinating rescues - the rescuers themselves will continue to operate as normal.

Helicopters will continue to fly, the RNLI will still send out its lifeboats, MCA volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers will still be ready in their local communities, out at sea out at sea, ships and craft of all types and sizes will assist others in distress as usual.