Emergency crews were scrambled to help a woman clinging to a buoy in freezing cold water.

Lifeboat crews were called out to the Harbour Arm in the early hours of Tuesday morning after reports of a person in the water in Folkestone.

A crew from Littlestone were assisted by the search and rescue helicopter from Lydd and Dover Lifeboat and Dungeness crews.

The person was found safe clinging to a buoy.

The Littlestone crew posted to their Facebook page today, saying: "Our crew were woken from their sleep at 1.21am and didn’t go back to their beds that night, a long job.

"They did get to witness day break, a glorious event at this time of year."

Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics also reportedly rushed to the scene.

Dover Lifeboat reported on their Facebook that Dover Lifeboat recovered them onto their boat and brought them ashore and to the care of paramedics.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said: "Just after 1.15am on Tuesday, May 15, Kent Police requested HM Coastguard assistance near the Lighthouse in Folkestone Harbour after receiving reports that a woman was in distress in the water.

"Folkestone and Dungeness Coastguard Rescue Teams, Dover and Littlestone RNLI Lifeboats and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd were all sent to the scene, alongside Kent Police and the South East Ambulance Service.

"The woman was recovered from the water by the Dover RNLI lifeboat and was placed in the care of the ambulance service."

Dungeness Coastguard said: "In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."