Coastguard, ambulance and air ambulance crews were scrambled after two people suffered medical emergencies in West Dorset.

Just after 11am yesterday, emergency services were alerted that a 57-year-old man with a 'cardiac history' had collapsed on the coast path to the east of Seatown.

Seven rescue officers from West Bay Coastguard and ambulance crews were sent to the scene and a defibrillator held at the Anchor Inn at Seatown was made available in case it was required.

Before arriving at the Seatown car park, the rescue vehicle, which was travelling on blue lights and sirens, was flagged down by a member of the public who told officers a man was collapsed inside the caravan park.

On arrival, the rescue team quickly became aware the man was in fact a second casualty who also required immediate medical assistance.

After confirming an additional ambulance was on its way, further backup was requested and additional coastguard officers from Lyme Regis were called.

Two team members from West Bay continued to Seatown to find the original casualty.

He was found to be safely in the care of the ambulance service so rescue teams returned to the caravan park to care for the second casualty.

First aid was provided and he was closely monitored until the arrival of the ambulance service who took over casualty care.

Information came through that the Devon and Cornwall air ambulance had been scrambled so coastguards secured a suitable landing site nearby for the inbound aircraft.

Once the aircraft had landed, the onboard medics were taken to the casualty and after assessment decided he should be airlifted to hospital.

He was flown directly to Southampton General Hospital.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We wish both of today’s casualties a full and speedy recovery. We want to thank the The Anchor Inn at Seatown and team members from Golden Cap Holiday Park for their assistance during today’s incidents.

"Special thanks goes out to the caravan owners who provided a welcome cup of tea to the emergency services after the incidents had concluded."