An emergency rescue took place after red distress flares were set off at sea.

Eastbourne RNLI was requested to launch on Friday morning by Solent Coastguard after the flares were seen eight miles from Eastbourne.

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Lifeboat crews found a 21ft motor vessel with machine failure and three people on board.

A diving boat was also at the scene after having seen the distress flares.

A spokesman for Eastbourne RNLI said: "A crew member was transferred from the lifeboat on to the casualty vessel to check on the welfare of all on board and to assist with establishing a towline to prevent the casualties and their craft from being a hazard to navigation.

"Once safely under tow, the volunteer crew brought the stricken vessel into the locks at Sovereign Harbour and it was handed over to the marina staff."

The RNLI team warned people to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if there is a problem at sea.

People who see a red distress flare should also do this.