TWO men aged in their 60s and 70s were rescued from the sea after their kayak capsized off Walton.

The men, from Frinton and Holland-on-Sea, were line fishing off the back of the kayak when they got into difficulty about 400 metres off Walton Pier at 11.30am.

The kayak overturned in the choppy waters and the men lost their oars.

Tendring Council’s Beach Patrol team at Walton were called to the scene by a member of the public.

The patrol’s jet ski with Harry Castle was sent to their aid.

He helped them back onto their craft which he hitched up to the jet ski and the pair were brought ashore.

The beach patrol’s Luke Hood said the men  - aged 67 and 72 - did not need medical treatment and were fine once they had got warm.

“I think they were quite shaken by their experience and were very grateful for being rescued,” he said.

“Thankfully they were both wearing life jackets at the time which was very important in this case.

“They had just gone out for a little fishing trip and then got into difficulties in an area where the water can get a bit rough.

“They started off about 200m offshore - which is where you would expect - but had quickly drifted about one mile towards the Naze.”

Nick Turner, the council’s cabinet member for seafronts, praised the beach patrol team.

“This highlights the important service our seafront beach patrol officers perform and what a valuable part they play in supporting the emergency services,” he said.

“Our teams at Clacton, Frinton, and Walton provide a first class service to help maintain safety on and around our popular beaches.”