A swimmer who got into difficulties was rescued by the Coastguard helicopter around 300 metres off the coast of Folkestone.

Two RNLI lifeboats were called out at just before 8.30pm last night to reports of a female swimmer in distress off the Sunny Sands beach.

Dover RNLI Coxswain James Clapham, in command of Dover’s Severn class lifeboat, said: “We launched within eight minutes from being requested.

"This enabled us to be quickly on scene with HM Coastguards Rescue Helicopter which responded from Lydd.

"The helicopter recovered the female casualty within our vicinity and airlifted her to Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital”.

Andy Roberts for Dover RNLI said: “This was an excellent immediate response from both Dover & Littlestone RNLI lifeboats and HM Coastguards rescue Helicopter.

"Thankfully the lady in distress was quickly located, recovered and only suspected to be suffering from mild hypothermia”.

Dover RNLI lifeboat was stood down from service at around 9pm and returned to station.