EXMOUTH coastguards on Sunday aided a rescue mission where a mother and her premature baby were evacuated from a ferry and taken to hospital.

EXMOUTH coastguards on Sunday aided a rescue mission where a mother and her premature baby were evacuated from a ferry and taken to hospital.

The newborn premature baby and its mother left the Pride of Bilbao ferry in Lyme Bay by coastguard helicopter and were airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Portland coastguard said Exmouth coastguard manned the landing site at short notice.