Hartlepool Bay capsized kayakers rescued

Two men have been rescued from the North Sea after their kayak capsized while they were fishing.

Lifeboat crews were sent to help the men, who had clung to the upturned craft for 20 minutes in Hartlepool Bay, just after 18:00 BST on Monday.

The RNLI said its team was able to rescue the fishermen, who had become "quite distressed".

The pair were treated in hospital for the effects of the cold conditions and swallowing sea water.

An inshore lifeboat was sent to the kayakers' aid, with Hartlepool Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Hornsey saying "a quick response from the volunteer crewmembers brought the incident to a safe conclusion".

Follow BBC Tees on Facebook,X (formerly Twitter)and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.