RNLI rescues down 'due to bad weather'

Figures show a 19% decrease on callouts compared to 2011, the second busiest year in RNLI history

Lifeboat crews in the north of England were most likely called out on fewer occasions in 2012 because poor weather put tourists off, the RNLI says.

The region's lifeboats were used in more than 900 rescues, with the RNLI's Sunderland station proving the busiest, the spokesman said.

Overall, the figures show a 19% decrease compared to 2011.

The charity's flood team had its busiest year on record and was deployed 11 times.

Volunteers in Sunderland rescued 100 people with stations in Blackpool and Tynemouth the next busiest.

The RNLI said the decrease in callouts was probably due to fewer people visiting the coast because of the wet summer.