The skipper of local yacht Kate had misjudged his entry back in to the River Brue on Wednesday morning, and run aground at the top of the tide.

Realising the succeeding tide was probably the only chance of early recovery from a potentially hazardous lee shore, Burnham's RNLI volunteers delayed their Wednesday evening training launch until 9.30 pm.

When they reached the yacht, it was already partially afloat, and after a short wait, the crew of Staines Whitfield, were able to take Kate in tow and delivered her safely to the sailing club pontoons.

Subsequently, lifeboats returned to Burnham for recovery and wash-down, which was completed by 11.05 pm.

Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Operations Manager Ricky Holmes said; 'Although not in immediate danger, the yacht was in a potentially hazardous location. We were happy to assist.'