A MIDDLE-AGED man was last night saved from drowning in the River Wear by lifeboatmen.

Volunteers from Sunderland's RNLI lifeboat station rushed to save the man after he was seen floating in the River Wear, near Wearmouth Bridge, shortly after 11.20pm.

Northumbria Police received a call about the man in difficulty and contacted the Humber Coastguard who requested the immediate launch of Sunderland RNLIs Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat James Dugdale.

The RNLI Inshore Lifeboat launched six minutes later under the command of Senior Helmsman Paul Nicholson and immediately headed to the scene along with personnel from Northumbria Police, and Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team.

Police officers were first on the scene and found the man, of whom no further details are yet known, and passed him a life-ring for him to hold until the lifeboat arrived.

Mr Nicholson said: "On arrival at the scene we immediately directed towards the man by police officers who had kept the mans position was being illuminated using torches.

"After manoeuvring the boat alongside the man, the three crew were able to pull him onboard. Once the man was safely onboard we made best speed back to the marina while the crew gave the man emergency treatment."

Paramedics gave him treatment at the marina before he was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

For the full story see The Northern Echo on Monday.