A ferryman rushed to the aid of the yacht Pol Gray, stuck under Looe Bridge and taking in water on Friday, having completed the rescue just as the pagers of the port's lifeboat crew went off to alert them of the incident.

Mr David Haines, a former helm, now deputy launching authority of the RNLI's Spirit of the RAOC, was told of the yacht's difficulties as he was carrying out ferry duties in his own vessel, Emma Louise. He was alerted by Dr Tony Staff of West Looe at about 8.30pm.

Mr Haines decided not to call the lifeboat as he judged the situation so urgent that he went to the yacht's aid immediately, and watched by a large crowd, managed to tow it out from under the bridge, where it had become stuck firmly by its mast. He said the boat was tilting, and the incoming tide was washing over the decking. It would have sunk quite quickly.

The one person on board was not harmed and there was only slight damage to the yacht. It is thought the vessel was attempting to moor up when the engine cut out, and the tide carried it under the bridge. Mr Haines was assisted in the rescue by Sam Martin, who was on work experience from his home in Essex.

Pictures from the past

DO you know where White Horse Lane was, or who the last family to live in Polean Cottage were ? The answer to these questions and an insight into the past can be found at Looe Library, where there is a display of old photographs. The pictures were lent by Mr John Southern of the Leather Shop.