A woman hit by lightning while surfing in west Cornwall is stable and improving at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske.

The incident happened on Saturday afternoon at Carbis Bay near St Ives.

The 21 year old, who has not been named, comes from Hertfordshire.

The lightning hit her and a male friend at 1545 GMT on Saturday.

Both had to be dragged ashore, according to a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police.

The lightning struck at Hawkes Point, a surfing spot popular with beginners because of its sheltered location.

The man is believed to be in a stable condition.

According to meteorologists, every person has just a one in three million chance of being struck by lightning in their lifetime.