A MAN who was working with boats had to be rescued by fire crews after getting stuck waist deep in mud.

The man got stuck in mud about 25 metres from the shore in Ford Lane, Alresford.

Fire and rescue crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe and the service's Urban Search and Rescue team were called to the scene at about 8.10pm on Thursday.

Firefighters stayed with the man while the rescue operation was being set up and wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm.

Water trained firefighters then used a sand lance - a piece of rescue equipment which uses air to loosen the mud - to release him and then used inflatable paths to get him back to shore.

The man was rescued by 9.30pm and was left in the care of the ambulance service.

Watch manager David Bond said: "This incident shows how unpredictable mud and water can be, even for people with experience of working in that environment.

"Getting stuck in the mud can be very dangerous, especially at night.

"Be aware of tide times and always carry a mobile phone. In the event of an emergency call 999.

"If the worst should happen it’s important not to panic, spread your weight as much as possible and raise the alarm, shout loudly if you don’t have a mobile phone.”