Two men dressed as Santa and a penguin had to be escorted back to shore in an inflatable boat this lunchtime after concerns over their safety.

Falmouth Coastguard said it had received a number of phone calls about the pair, who are understood to have left Marazion and been paddling in the direction of Penzance.

It is believed neither of them were wearing life jackets.

Concerned members of the public put in calls to the coastguard, which in turn contacted the Penlee lifeboat.

The men were taken to Newlyn Harbour at around 12.30pm.

It is thought the men had been attempting to raise money for charity.