A sailor has to be rescued from a beach after his new boat ran aground in rough seas in the English Channel.

The engines on the man's 20ft vessel failed and despite dropping anchor he was driven onto the beach at Winchelsea in East Sussex, coastguards said.

The boat was en route for Dover when he sent out a distress call at 4pm, saying he was also taking on water.

Coastguard Frank O'Neill said: "This sailor must regret his decision to move his new boat from Newhaven to Dover today.

"Unfortunately the weather was against him and it's a timely reminder for us all to always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out and prepare accordingly.

"Despite his bad luck with the engine he was well prepared and was able to make a call to ask for help.