A coastguard helicopter scoured the coast of Herne Bay and Whitstable last night in the search for a struggling paddle boarder.

It was joined by rescuers on the ground following reports of the person in difficulty shortly before 10pm.

Lifeboat crews from Whitstable also searched the water between Tankerton and Hampton.

The chopper from Lydd was heard flying over the coastline for more than an hour before it was stood down.

No paddle boarder was found.