FIREFIGHTERS worked for an hour to rescue a man from the mud at Medway Marina after he fell off his houseboat.

Alan Bye, 35, had toppled from his boat in Manor Lane, Borstal, near Rochester, after drinking with a friend on Saturday night.

After landing in a mud pool he tried to struggle his way back to firm ground, but ended up submerged to his waist and unable to move.

After attempts to free him by his partner, Kellie Boswell, and a neighbour proved in vain, firefighters were called to the scene at 10.40pm.

They used ladders to spread their weight and attempt to haul Mr Bye free from the mud, but he was too firmly stuck. Eventually a fire pump from Sheppey arrived with an oxygen lance which was used to blow compressed air into the mud and clear a path for Mr Bye to clamber to shore.

Paramedics gave the victim treatment at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Medway Maritime Hospital over concerns for his body temperature, but later discharged.