A MAN was pulled from the water by lifeboatmen off the North-East coast today.

Sunderland’s D Class Lifeboat was called into action shortly after noon.

A 999 call was received by the Coastguard alerting them to a person in the water at Roker beach.

"The Lifeboat launched with its three crew and headed with its best speed to the location. On arrival it was recognised the casualty was amongst rocks in the water, the helmsmen made a decision to put one of the lifeboat crew in the water with a line to recover the casualty back to the boat," said an RNLI spokesman.

"Once the casualty was hauled back to the boat he was brought aboard and treat for the cold. He was then returned to Sunderland marina to the awaiting ambulance to be checked over."

Sam Clow, volunteer helmsmen said: "It is always a worry when we hear somebody is in the water. 

"However, we were able to get there in time and bring him back to the care of our colleagues in the ambulance service in a very good time.

"Everyone at the station wishes the casualty the best in recovering from the ordeal."