Two anglers were saved from freezing water after being cut off on a pier by swelling seas.

The pair were at risk of being swept into the waves before they were hauled to safety by a lifeboat crew.

They had been fishing at night but were wearing dark clothing and no lifejackets.

Jon Miell, Dover Lifeboat coxswain, said: "We were called to reports of two anglers in near imminent danger of being swept off the Dover Harbour arm at night and in growing seas.

"We approached bow on and our volunteer crew rescued them by recovering them directly to the lifeboat.

"It was a challenging call so close to the harbour wall but all went well.

"Both individuals were recovered and were well and safe."

The men were on an outer ledge below the end of Admiralty Pier, 200 metres from the beach, and ended up cut off by the growing swell of the sea.

The water rose by 2.5 metres, washing over their legs and there was no higher ledge for them to retreat to.

The Dover lifeboat City of London II went to their rescue and they were helped aboard.

They were taken back to the lifeboat station at the Western Docks and found to be unharmed and in no need of medical attention.

The rescue has prompted lifeboat crews to advise people angling after dark to wear a clearly-visible lifejacket and to keep away from the waterline.

They should also tell someone where they are.

It is not known if the victims had mobile phones but they were thought to have been out there for a few hours.

A member of the public on the shore raised the alarm by contacting the coastguard which in turn called the RNLI.

The drama happened on February 20 and Dover RNLI was called just after 10.30pm, but the details have only just emerged.