A KAYAKER who got into difficulty off the Purbeck coast was rescued by a lifeboat on Sunday.

Swanage Lifeboat was launched following reports that a kayaker was struggling in the area of Durlston Head.

An RNLI spokesman said: “Members of the public had called 999 as they were concerned the kayaker was in difficulty around the headland race due to very strong spring tides and choppy seas with the kayaker making no headway.

“The Swanage Coastguard Rescue team was also deployed to see if they could locate him.

“After a brief search the kayaker was found on the rocks under Durlston Castle, tired but otherwise okay.

"He was quickly recovered to the lifeboat along with his kayak and taken back to the main beach in Swanage from where he had started.”