A lifeboat crew was called into action yesterday to inspect an "unknown object" along the coast - which later turned out to be a large helium balloon.

The team at Silloth RNLI station were asked to check out the object after receiving a report shortly before 9am yesterday morning.

Someone had called up to say they'd seen the object just west of the Lees Scar Lighthouse, Silloth.

A spokesman for the team said: "The lifeboat crew checked the object out and found it to be a large helium balloon.

"This was recovered from the water, to ensure no further reports. False alarm with good intent."