Coastguards have described a group of kayakers and paddle boarders as "incredibly lucky" after they rescued while being blown out to sea in Falmouth.

A number of the group, which included children, were treated by ambulance staff due to swallowing sea water and being "very, very cold."

The drama unfolded at Maenporth at lunchtime on Friday, when Falmouth Coastguards and one of the Falmouth lifeboats were scrambled at 12.21pm.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "On scene a potentially very serious incident was unfolding.

"Several people on kayaks and paddle boards where in trouble, being blown out on the offshore wind. One of the group had lost his paddle and was unable to progress."

Team members kept sight of the group as the inshore lifeboat collected three children and one adult, taking them to the safety of the shore.

"It then headed back out and collected another adult who had now been blown round to ‘the hutches’ and was now in serious danger," added the spokesperson.

They added: "It goes without saying that this group where incredibly lucky. Please check the weather conditions and have means of being able to summon help should you require it before you head out."

Anyone who gets into trouble on the coast should not hesitate to call 999 and ask for coastguard.