A stranded fisherman had to be rescued off the coast of Barrow after he was unable to re-start his engine.

The man, who was alone aboard a 16ft fishing boat, was stranded on the western edge of Walney Channel in the vicinity of Pickle Scar.

Barrow RNLI’s volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat, Raymond and Dorothy Billingham, at 6.10pm after it received word from HM Coastguard in Holyhead at 5.51pm on Friday.

A Barrow Lifeboat spokesman said: "The lifeboat was at the scene within a few minutes and having carefully assessed the situation it was decided that the most appropriate course of action was to tow the vessel the short distance north along Walney Channel to the slipway at Ferry Pitchings.

"With the casualty vessel towed to safety, the lifeboat was able to return to the Boathouse at Roa Island where it arrived at 7.10pm.

"The lifeboat was washed down and made ready for the next launch with help from the waiting shore crew."