A RESCUE operation was launched in the Solent after a woman and two children were swept out to sea.

The incident began off Lepe Beach after a seven-year-old boy and his ten-year-old sister got into difficulties.

Their mother went into the water to look for her children and also ended up being rescued.

Details of the operation have been released tonight by Hamble Lifeboat, one of the organisations involved in the drama.

A spokesman said: "Hamble Lifeboat were tasked as a result of numerous 999 calls and arrived seven minutes after being called.

"Arriving on the scene the daughter had been confirmed well and with the father. The son had been in the water near 15 minutes by this stage and Hamble starting searching."

The spokesman said a search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent also took part in the search.

He added: "Thankfully a passing motor boat had got to the mother and son, pulling them to safety. We are thankful this had a happy ending."

The children's mother, Claire Allen, of Eling, has praised the lifeboat crew on social media.

She posted: "Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU! for picking my son and I up when the kids got into difficulty off Lepe Beach and I had to go in and help them.

"Grenville and the two other crewmen did a fine job. Will be donating to this very worthy cause."

Lifeboatman Grenville Houser replied: "Hats off to the powerboat crew who got to you first and also to HMCG (Her Majesty's Coastguard) for getting all the assets to the scene in double quick time."

The incident occurred on Monday.