POLICE, Coastguard, paramedics and the fire service were called to rescue a man from the water near Southbourne beach yesterday afternoon.

Emergency Services were called to the beach near Fisherman's Walk around 1.50pm following reports of a a concern for welfare involving a man in the water.

The man was reported to be around 50 metres out to sea and was walking in the direction of Hengistbury Head.

When officers arrived at the scene two Mackley Construction workers, Lee Harwood and Wayne Harley, were in the water trying to encourage the man back to shore.

According to Dorset Police the man was helped to shore shortly after 2.30pm by Coastguard and was taken to Poole General Hospital.

Fire crews from Springbourne, Christchurch, a technical rescue team from Poole and the aerial ladder from Westbourne were also called to the scene and the Mudeford inshore lifeboat also attended.

Members of the Dorset Traffic Cops team have praised the work of the Coastguard and the two members of the public who helped with the rescue.

A statement on the team's Facebook page said: "Had it not been for the efforts of Lee and Wayne for keeping observations on the male or to the Coastguard for rescuing him, this incident could have resulted in a very different ending.

"Well done and thank you."