Coastguard helicopter crews dropped in on celebrities as they completed the final stretch of a BBC Sport Relief sailing challenge off the Kent coast.

The search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd was on routine operations when it came across the Sport Relief yacht, where One Show television presenter Alex Jones is on board with other celebrities.

They are completing a Hell on High Seas challenge, which has seen them sail 1,000 miles around Britain’s coast to raise money for charity.

For helicopter winchman Garry Stewart it was a busy night, as he had already tested his skills by landing on board a fishing boat earlier in the evening on Thursday, March 10.

Then, in footage released by the Maritime and Coastguard agency, we see him being winched down to the Sport Relief yacht, taking care to avoid the high masts on the vessel.

Video: Lydd coastguards in action

He said: “The crew on board the yacht were very enthusiastic. I landed onto the port side of the yacht where I was greeted by a round of applause from Alex Jones, Ore Oduba and Doon Mackichan.

“It was a great moment. Once boarded I came off the hook and we had a quick chat about their challenge which they seem to be really enjoying.

“They were incredibly receptive to my visit and it was all very professionally handled. On departure they thanked me for the service we provide and for keeping them safe at sea.”

The footage is available online on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Youtube channel.

The celebrity crew on board the yacht successfully completed the challenge after five days at sea.

You can read more about their Sport Relief challenge on the charity's website.