A PADDLE boarder was rescued after getting into difficulty in the sea off the coast of Leigh.

HM Coastguard alerted the Southend RNLI to a paddle boarder in trouble yesterday afternoon at 3.47pm.

The individual was stranded half a mile out at sea near Two Tree Island, Leigh.

The B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat was dispatched to the man’s last known location.

A rescue helicopter aided the Southend team’s search for the missing man.

A spokesman said: “The Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 was operating in the area and tasked to assist in the search for the paddle boarder. 

“Southend RNLI volunteers were given instructions to search further offshore and east of the initial reported position. 

“A further update from HM Coastguard who were communicating with the casualty set the search area closer to Canvey Island.

“At 4.15pm the casualty was sighted by Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 off Chalkwell on the south side of Marsh Sand. 

“The Southend RNLI lifeboat, guided by Rescue 163, arrived at 4.22pm taking the casualty onboard.”

The man was taken to safety and arrived at the Southend RNLI offshore station at 4.40pm.

No medical assistance was required and the man was said to be in good health.