Cromer's inshore lifeboat was called out this morning to help a local fisherman who was in 'dire straits', with his leg trapped in a tow rope.

The man, who has not been named, made an emergency call at 6.30am when his leg became trapped in the rope that fastens the crab pots together, while fishing off East Runton.

Richard Leeds from the lifeboat said: 'The rope was around his leg and he couldn't do anything about it. He was in dire straits and he was on his own.

'He called one of the crew and they called the coastguard to launch the lifeboat. When they got to him, he was in shock.'

The fisherman was taken to East Runton beach and then by ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

His boat was brought back to Cromer beach, and the lifeboat crew - led by coxswain Ady Woods - stood down at 7.55am.