Both Berwick RNLI Lifeboats, as well as the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer, were launched in "horrendous conditions" to try to find the canoeist, near Berwick Holiday Camp.

Police and Auxiliary Coastguard units were initially asked to search the coast line, but they couldn't see if any canoes were on the sea due to its state.

The RAF helicopter was then called to carry out an aerial search, while the lifeboats were out to pick up any casualty, having been directed to them by the helicopter.

Both lifeboats were launched at 12.45pm and shortly afterwards the all-weather lifeboat found itself battling against a force 6/7 North-easterly wind and 3/4m waves.

The inshore lifeboat was used to search the area from the docks up to the river mouth, in case the craft had come into the river.

Both the helicopter and the all-weather lifeboat continued their sea search for about two hours before being stood down with nothing having been found.

Police have had no reports of missing canoeists and the call is being treated as a false alarm having been made with good intent.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Wakenshaw said: "I would just like to point out that the crew were all volunteers today and that nobody set out because it was 'their turn'.

"I personally would not have wanted to go out in those conditions, the helicopter crew were overheard on the radio to say that there wasn't a craft to be seen for miles, except for the all-weather lifeboat and its' brave crew, I think that speaks volumes."