A local fisherman has been rescued by a lifeboat crew after his boat suffered engine trouble in Fife.

The crew reached the drifting boat as sea conditions worsened half a mile off St Monans around 5pm on Monday.

A tow was set up with the vessel which was safely brought back into Pittenweem harbour at around 5.45pm.

Coxswain Michael Bruce hailed the quick thinking of the fisherman to call for assistance.

He added "Although this shout was to assist a local fisherman who has great knowledge and experience of the sea, sometimes things happen out with our control and it is essential that you know how to get help.

"If you are ever at sea and get into trouble, no matter how experienced you are, call the coastguard and ask for help."