Portishead lifeboat crew get early call

The town's voluntary lifeboat service got an early call out at the weekend to help a stricken sailor in the Avon.

Crew members were woken up by their emergency pagers at 7am on Sunday to news that a yacht had run out of fuel and was anchored in the river just off Sea Mills. The owner had managed to get more fuel to his boat, but the engine was cutting out.

Lifeboat crews initially stood by while repairs were carried out but as these were unsuccessful, towed the yacht back to safety at Crockerne Pill.