Boys swept from beach in Norfolk rescued by passer-by

Two boys who were swept out to sea from a beach in Norfolk, were recovering in hospital on Sunday after being rescued by a member of the public.

The pair, aged 11 and 12, were playing on the beach at Waxham when heavy seas up to four metres in height dragged them into deep water.

They were seen to be struggling when a member of the public swam out to them.

Other people on the beach alerted the coastguard who sent a lifeboat from Happisburgh and a rescue helicopter.

They were taken by helicopter to the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.

Their condition was described as "not serious" after they were checked over by medical staff but they had "ingested" sea water, a coastguard spokeswoman said.

The sea was very choppy because of strong offshore winds, the coxswain of Happisburgh lifeboat said.