A VOLUNTEER lifeboat crew was launched this weekend after reports of a person in difficulty in the sea near Aberlady.

The North Berwick RNLI said lifeboat Evelyn M was launched at 5.15pm on Saturday however it proved to be a false alarm.

North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team quickly confirmed the person was a sea swimmer who did not need any assistance.

They urged anyone who sees someone in danger or in need of their help to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.