LIFEBOAT crews from Gravesend were involved in a daring rescue bid after a man became trapped in mud.

The RNLI were called out at 5.20pm on Saturday after a man fell 30ft from a jetty and became wedged in mud at Holehaven on the Essex coast.

The police helicopter was drafted in to light the area so the RNLI could carry out the 20-minute rescue.

A stretcher was used to enable duty helmsman Ian Smith to rescue the man before he was transferred to shore where they were met by ambulance.

The man is believed to have been suffering from mild hypothermia.