AN angler was lucky to escape with minor injuries after a rescue team plucked him from the cold water of the River Stour.Cliff Stone, of Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, had fallen from his boat during a fishing trip and had been in the water for more than an hour before he was helped to safety.

AN angler was lucky to escape with minor injuries after a rescue team plucked him from the cold water of the River Stour.

Cliff Stone, of Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, had fallen from his boat during a fishing trip and had been in the water for more than an hour before he was helped to safety.

The Thames coastguard co-ordinated the rescue operation following a request for assistance from the yacht Joint Adventure.

The crew of the seven-metre yacht, from Shotley Sailing Club, were bravely attempting to rescue Mr Stone.

Harwich inshore lifeboat, a helicopter from Wattisham, and the Holbrook coastguard were all involved, although the helicopter did not take part in any action.

Mr Stone, believed to be in his 50s, had set off on a day's fishing trip on Wednesday morning in his eight-metre boat, the 50-50, which he moors at Shotley Marina.

He was pulled from the water by the inshore life boat, transferred to his own craft and then assisted back to Shotley Marina where he was met by the Holbrook Coastguard.

Mr Stone was lucky to escape with no more than an injured finger for which he declined medical treatment. He was advised to go to hospital for a check over.

Andy Beaumont, general manager at Shotley Marina, said: "Cliff has been here for years and is a keen angler. As far as I know he has never been in any trouble before.

"He was right as nine-pence this afternoon and probably went home and had a nice bath."