A SIDMOUTH pensioner praised his “wonderful” coastguard rescuers after a stroll along the coast ended with him being airlifted to hospital.

Arthur Williams, 75, of Yarde Mead, collapsed while walking between Branscombe and Beer with friends last Wednesday afternoon (August 22).

He described how he suddenly felt “wretched” and succumbed to what was believed to have been heat exhaustion.

Beer and Portland coastguard teams raced to Mr Williams’ aid, near Hooken Cliffs, and he was swiftly flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

This week he issued a “big thank you” to them for their efforts.

Mr Williams said: “They did a wonderful job and I had a first-class flight to the hospital – even though I was not in a fit state to take in the views.”

The pensioner, who spent four hours in hospital, hailed the top-notch service the coastguard provides.