Two boys were pulled from the sea near Brighton today after they were swept out by a huge wave.

A member of the public threw the boys a lifebuoy and pulled them to shore.

The youngsters were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, but were not thought to be seriously hurt.

The rescue happened this morning opposite The Lido at Saltdean, Brighton.

A spokeswoman for the Brighton and Hove Council seafront office said: "The boys were playing on the beach when a big wave swept them out.

"The member of the public grabbed a lifebuoy and threw it out. The boys grabbed it and were pulled to the beach.

"The member of the public did a fantastic job."