A LIFEBOAT crew and the Coastguard were called out on Saturday after a horse rider was injured after falling while riding on the beach at Longniddry Bents.

Coastguards from Dunbar, North Berwick and Fisherrow were joined by RNLI colleagues from Kinghorn, Fife, after being alerted by the Scottish Ambulance Service at about 12.40pm.

Initially, it was thought that a person was at risk in the water.

A spokesman for Dunbar Coastguard said: “The first Coastguard Rescue Officer was on scene within five minutes and was quickly able to establish that a horse rider had fallen and sustained injuries whilst riding along the water's edge in a group.

“After liaising with ambulance crew and confirming the casualty was safely in the ambulance, all assets were stood down.

“The team wish the rider a speedy recovery.

“Also in attendance were East Lothian Police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“In a water emergency seconds count, that’s the reason why often there is a large multi-agency response.”

In all coastal emergencies, dial 999 and immediately ask for the Coastguard.