AS west Dorset baked in the hottest August bank holiday weekend on record, emergency services had their work cut out for them along the coast.

A kayaker came to the rescue of two swimmers on Saturday evening after they got into trouble at sea at Seatown.

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team was called just after 5pm to reports two swimmers were some distance from shore, where they had been for a long time, and were possibly in difficulty.

Officers made their way to the station at West Bay to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle then headed straight for Seatown. On arrival, officers met with the person who raised the alarm and were told that both swimmers had made it back to the safety of the beach assisted by a kayaker who paddled out to them.

Officers spoke with the swimmers to carry out a welfare check and gather details.

With everyone safe, the team was then stood down to return to station.

A spokesman for the team said: "Thanks goes out to the members of the public who reported their concerns to the coastguard. Stay safe along the coast, but if you find yourself in difficulty or see something which gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

Two beachgoers gave onlookers a scare when they set out to sea on an inflatable and but weren't seen coming back.

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team was called to Burton Bradstock shortly after 12pm on Saturday.

Officers quickly made their way to the station in West Bay to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle but, as they were about to leave for Hive Beach, they received a message to say the people had been found safe and well.

The team was then stood down.