Boats lifted to safety

They were lifted off the beach by a grab lorry to protect them being damaged by waves crashing down in gale force winds.

Club member Robert Ellis said: "We connected two straps underneath each boat for stability, and 12 boats were lifted. The larger boats were winched up to the concrete.

"It's unbelieveable how the shingle as gone from the beach - there was about 20-30ft of beach before the drop down to the sand area, but now there is about 6-8ft of shingle left...tons of it has gone.

"We waited until just after high water around 1pm to do this, having got to Force 11, and as shingle was being thrown up, we decided it was best to bring the boats in. We moved the ones in the most vulnerable area, which was right in front of the clubhouse.

"This is the first time in seven years we have had to bring so many boats in."