A lifeboat from Wells-next-the-Sea called out to help a stricken tugboat which was towing two barges off the coast is returning to base after a successful rescue.

Chris Hardy, operations manager from the port's RNLI station, said a boat with a crew of seven was sent at 4.57pm to the aid of the Speedwell tug which got into trouble in the Blakeney Overfall, an area of sea north-east of Wells.

Mr Hardy said he believed the tug had come from the Humber.

He said: 'We have gone to assist a 13-metre long tug that was having problems with its steering. It was towing two barges - one 23 metres long and the other 33 metres.

'Unfortunately the tide is out over the bar at Wells which would make it quite difficult to bring him in here.'

The decision was made to pull the tugboat to Great Yarmouth. During the journey the crew on-board was able to fix the problems with the engine and pumps before continueing the journey without further assistance.

Mr Hardy said one of the barges the tug was towing was a houseboat and the other looked like it was under conversion.

The lifeboat is now heading back to Wells-next-the-Sea.