Six people were rescued from a rowing boat after getting into difficulty near Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey.

Sheppey Coastguard and Sheerness RNLI Inshore Lifeboat were called just before 5.30pm yesterday to rescue the occupants from the stricken vessel which had run aground in the River Medway.

However, the distance and muddy terrain meant they were evacuated to safety by the RAF rescue helicopter which was deployed from RAF Wattisham.

No medical attention was required.