Lifeboat volunteers have scooped a prestigious award for saving a father and a four-year-old child from the water.

A team at RNLI Whitstable, headed by helmsman Dave Parry, have been presented with the Rescue of the Year accolade by the station.

They won the prize for their efforts in rescuing the paddleboarder and youngster when the two got stuck in water near Leysdown on Sheppey in May 10 last year.

After being alerted to their difficulties, crew located the man attempting to swim towards the shore.

However, the pair struggled to get back to land due to strong winds, meaning both had to be taken onboard the lifeboat and back to land where a family member was waiting.

Both were unharmed by the day’s events.

Lifeboat operations manager Mike Judge said: “Although this service does not appear to be dramatic, the circumstances the paddleboarder and child found themselves in were extremely dangerous.

“It was certainly a life-threatening situation, as neither had lifejackets and no means of communication and the water was extremely cold.”

Crew members Ruth Oliver, Richard Monje and Ollie Myhill also acquired the prize, alongside launchers Mike Coulson-Tabb, Steve Moseley, Pete Fenton and Paul Moore, plus tractor driver Andy Clarke.

The Rescue of the Year award is presented each year in memory of former station helmsman and honorary secretary, Dave Foreman.