TWO paddleboarders were rescued after getting into 'difficulties' with the tide.

Coastguard officers and RNLI volunteers were called to help two paddleboarders who had come ashore at Arne, Wareham, at 6.46pm on Thursday evening.

The pair had got into difficulties with the tide at the entrance of the Wareham Channel and come ashore.

After being assessed to make sure they were fit and well, the pair were taken back to their waiting parent at the Arne car park.

A spokesman for Kimmeridge Coastguard said: "On returning from a team briefing at Lulworth Army Camp with regards to safety procedures whilst operational on the army ranges, the team were requested to assist Poole Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI Poole Lifeboat Station with a report of two paddleboarders that had difficulties with the tide at the entrance of Wareham Channel and had come ashore at Arne.

"With Poole Inshore Lifeboat in attendance and checking the welfare of the paddleboarders, the two coastguard teams set about navigating the labyrinth of tracks and undergrowth to make our way out to them.

"Once on scene and ensuring they were fit and well, the two teams transported the paddleboarders back to their awaiting parent at the Arne car park, with paddleboards loaded on.

"This incident was a perfect chance to test out some of the mapping software that we have to hand and that we'd updated through the winter with vehicle passable tracks on the Arne peninsula. Pleased to say it worked perfectly.

"With everyone safely back at the car park and a few additional safety tips offered to the paddleboarders for future trips, all resources were stood down and returned to station."