People have been warned to tether their inflatable rafts to the beach following a four-hour search by lifeboat crews.

Volunteers at Happisburgh lifeboat station were called into action today following reports of an inflatable raft drifting off the coast of Sea Palling.

A lifeboat was launched at around 4.15pm and found an empty inflatable dingy off the reefs. It was then tasked to search for any missing persons.

The station launched a second lifeboat to help with the search, but nothing was found, with crews returning at 8.30pm.

A spokesman said: 'This is the third call-out this month to inflatables that Happisburgh Lifeboat Station has had to deal with.

'People should be aware of the dangers of inflatables, especially with offshore winds. All inflatables should be tethered to the beach and if you should lose an inflatable it is advisable to notify the coastguard with a good description and location of where you lost it.'

Tim Grimmer, senior helm, said yesterday's call-out had been 'one of the longest' he had been on.