THE regular training session by crew of Sidmouth Lifeboat was interrupted by an unscheduled visit from Portland Coastguard helicopter on Tuesday evening.

THE regular training session by crew of Sidmouth Lifeboat was interrupted by an unscheduled visit from Portland Coastguard helicopter on Tuesday evening.

The helicopter had been tasked to hold a training session with Lyme Regis lifeboat, but at the last minute the training was switched to Sidmouth as The Pride of Sidmouth was already at sea, training off Jacobs Ladder beach.

The winchman from the helicopter was lowered on to the deck of Sidmouth lifeboat, and a crewman from the boat was transferred to the helicopter.

This enabled the helmsman to practice manoeuvring under a fast-moving helicopter.

The coastguard helicopter will return to Sidmouth this coming Sunday, May 17 at 11am, for a scheduled training session with the lifeboat.