The volunteer helm at Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI rescued five people who had become stranded onboard two inflatable boats this weekend.

The RNLI volunteers were tasked by the HM Coastguard at 3.47pm on Saturday 18 September to assist the people, after their two Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) had run aground on Foulness Sands in Rochford.

The people had been on a day out from Bradwell exploring the sea forts, but ran aground when they travelled down to Sheerness on their return trip.

The RNLI launched one of the fastest lifeboats in its fleet - the Atlantic class 'Tony & Robert Britt' - to assist the people in response.

A spokesperson for Burnham RNLI said: "Arriving on scene, the volunteer helm from Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI assessed the situation and made the decision that the safest way to assist the casualties was to take all 5 back to Burnham aboard the lifeboat."

The people retrieved their inflatable boats the next morning.