MEMBERS of a Hampshire lifeboat crew were each treated to an ice cream after going to the aid of a stranded boat.

The Cowes RNLI lifeboat put to sea after a small workboat got into difficulties while being used as a floating ice-cream parlour.

The so-called 26ft Solent Ice-Cream Boat, with two people on board, suffered engine trouble in Osborne Bay.

Lifeboat helmsman Neil Archer said: "The lifeboat arrived on the scene just after 4 pm on Saturday and towed the craft to its mooring well up Wootton Creek, but not before the lifeboat crew were each treated to ice-cream cornets for their forthcoming efforts.

“It was an unusual way of saying thank you but much appreciated in the humid conditions."