WEYMOUTH Lifeboat came to the rescue of rowers who are gearing up to cross the Atlantic.

The RNLI said a nine-metre rowing boat with four on board which was on its way from Salcombe in Devon to London as part of a training session got into difficulties off Portland, prompting a call for help.

Weymouth Lifeboat spokesman Ken Francis said: "They had anchored for the night nine miles west of Portland Bill but were unable to retrieve their anchor so cut the cable but after struggling for some time they were unable to make any headway against the wind and tide so called for assistance."

The lifeboat launched at 11.30am today following the call to coastguards.

Mr Francis added: "Once on scene the volunteers of the lifeboat crew brought the rowers onto the lifeboat and then towed the rowing boat back to Weymouth Harbour arriving back at 3.30pm.

"They were tied up close to the Ferry Steps but it is understood that the crew intended to replace their lost anchor and then once more set off towards the Isle of Wight where they hoped to get to before dark."

It is understood the rowers are preparing for a mammoth challenge to cross the Atlantic.