A group of kayakers who got into difficulty on a river amid strong winds and heavy waves had to be rescued from a small island.

The conditions on the Medway forced them onto Darnet Ness, from where they made a 999 call to the Coastguard requesting assistance.

A search and rescue operation was launched at around midday yesterday and the Kent Police search and marine unit, the RNLI and the Coastguard went to their aid.

Once they got as close to the shoreline as possible, two police officers swam to shore and negotiated around 100 metres of thick mud to reach the group and check for signs of injury.

The Sheerness lifeboat then arrived and was able to get closer to the shore on a smaller boat, allowing the crew to pick up the kayakers and ferry them to the police vessel.

Thankfully no one was injured in the incident, and the group and their craft were returned to Gillingham Marina.

PC Ryan Duffy, from the search and marine unit, said: "Thankfully no one was hurt and they had the right equipment with them - dry suits, floatation devices, VHF radios and mobile phones - and were able to call for rescue.

"We were able to work with our partners to safely rescue them..."

"Even experienced water users can be caught out by strengthening winds and deteriorating weather, and need to have the ability to call for help if needed.

"I am pleased we were able to work with our partners to safely rescue them."