Coastguards received a surge in call-outs over the weekend as the hot weather lured thousands to the seaside.

A total of 34 children aged between three and 12, needed help from lifeboat and coastguard crews at Camber Sands, near Rye, in separate incidents.

Teams from Rye Bay, Hastings and Dungeness helped co-ordinate the rescues, which included between eight and ten children who had floated off on inflatable beach toys.

A 25-knot wind drew the blow-up toys towards the entrance of Rye Port.

The rest had wandered off and had to be reunited with their parents.

A spokesman for Dover Coastguard said: "We are reminding parents that despite the arrival of the warmer weather to please check the weather forecast before going out on the water or allowing their own children to do so.

"It is also advisable that if you intend to put to sea in a boat, then you should always carry all the right equipment you will need to sustain yourself if you get into difficulty. Always tell someone where you're heading.

"The sea is still very cold and despite the warmer air temperatures prolonged immersion in sea water can still cause hypothermia."