Holbrook coastguard last night helped bring a 27ft yacht to safety into Shotley marina.

The solo sailor got into difficulties after a rope became wrapped around his yacht's propeller and could not make headway so sent out a distress call.

He was found and taken under tow by a RNLI inshore lifeboat from Harwich and brought it through Shotley lock gates.

Holbrook's Coastguard team then took charge, secured the yacht and checked on the health and welfare of the yachtsman.

A Coastguard spokesman added: "The solo sailor was well despite the uncomfortable conditions out at sea."

In the event of an emergency along our coastline or estuaries or in mud call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.