A man was treated by paramedics when he was left struggling to breathe after coming out of the sea.

Shortly before 5pm yesterday, West Bay coastguard rescue team was alerted by the ambulance service to a man who had left the water and was suffering breathing difficulties on Hive Beach.

Officers rushed to the station for rescue equipment and headed to Burton Bradstock.

A coastguard spokesman said: "On arrival, officers found that the casualty was in the care of rapid response paramedics and an ambulance crew, about 300 yards east of the car park on the beach.

"Officers liaised with the ambulance service while other team members started gathering the teams rescue stretcher, in case the casualty required carrying from the beach.

"Thankfully, the casualty's condition improved and he was able to walk under his own steam to the waiting ambulance."

If you find yourself in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.