Coastguards have helped rescue a man who slipped on the coast near Thorncombe Beacon and thought to have dislocated his knee.

West Bay Coastguard was called just after 12noon today (Monday) to reports of a casualty needing help just to the east of Thorncombe Beacon.

The 64-year-old man had been walking the coast path alone on the steep descent from the beacon down towards Eype but had slipped and sustained a suspected dislocated knee.

The ambulance service was also aware of the incident and members of Lyme Regis Coastguard were also asked to assist.

Once at Downhouse Farm in Eype, the coastguard vehicle was able to travel off-road near to the casualty's location with officers travelling the remaining distance on foot.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "The casualty was assessed, kept warm and his injury was stabilised using the team's splints and fracture straps. He was then packed into the team's rescue stretcher and manoeuvred the short distance downhill to a waiting coastguard vehicle before being driven off-road back to Downhouse Farm. He was met there by a family member before his onward journey to hospital.

"Thanks goes out to the two members of public who assisted and stayed with the casualty until the arrival of the emergency services.

"We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery."