Three anglers who travelled to Ramsgate for some fishing helped save a man’s life.

Darryl Marsh, Daniel Neale and Duane Whitaker were checking conditions on the town's East Pier just after midnight on Sunday when they noticed a man in the water.

The trio used a lifebelt and rope to drag him to shore, pulling him up the beach.

The emergency services were soon on the scene and took the 62-year-old to hospital.

The three men, who are from the Thanet area, have won praise from Ramsgate RNLI spokesman John Ray.

"If it hadn't been for them, the man would have died" - Ramsgate RNLI spokesman John Ray

He said: "If it hadn't been for them, the man would have died, they deserve the greatest thanks for their efforts."As the tide was coming in they were concerned about it and checked straight below, which is where they saw the man.

"They threw a lifeboat ring to him and dragged him to safety."

South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman Rich Airey said: "We received a call from the coastguard at 12.45am, reporting that a man in his 60s had been pulled from the water.

"He was conscious and breathing and was checked by paramedics before being taken to the QEQM hospital for further checks."