An RNLI Lifeboat search has confirmed that wreckage seen floating off the coast of Kent is not from a vessel.

It was spotted around six miles from the Port of Dover this morning by the P&O Spirit of Britain vessel in the south west shipping lanes.

The ship's officer then alerted the coastguard.

RNLI spokesman Andy Roberts said: "The lifeboat found the wreckage and it is not from a vessel.

"It could be something that has flown off the beach or overboard."

P&O spokesman Brian Rees added: "We spotted something in the water on the way back from Calais this morning and reported it.

"It turned out to be some sort of steel pole sealed at both ends which made it buoyant and able to float vertically in the water."

The lifeboat has now returned to shore.