Police, paramedics and the coastguard were called to a beach after man got into difficulty in the sea as strong winds and huge waves lashed the coast.

A helicopter was seen circling over Sandgate Beach, near Folkestone, earlier today.

One witness said she saw the helicopter at around 11.20am.

"We were walking along Sandgate Promenade and spotted it circling around the edge of the sea.

"Two coastguard vehicles drove past us as well.

"It's really windy today and the sea is very choppy – I've never seen waves like it."

She added: "Further along the promenade police and paramedics turned up.

"They moved everyone back so the helicopter could land and people were wondering what was going on.

"A man was seen in one of the vehicles, being checked on and treated."

A coastguard spokesperson said: "The Coastguard rescue helicopter, Folkestone and Langdon Coastguard Rescue Teams, Dover all weather and Littlestone RNLI Lifeboats attended the scene of an incident earlier today after a man got into difficulty in the sea on Mermaid Beach, Folkestone.

"The man made his own way to shore but was checked over by a paramedic before leaving the scene."

Police confirmed that an officer had stopped to see if aid was required but left the scene shortly after.