A lifeboat crew was called into action yesterday to inspect an "unknown object" along the coast - which later turned out to be a large helium balloon.
The team at Silloth RNLI station were asked to check out the object after receiving a report shortly before 9am yesterday morning.
Someone had called up to say they'd seen the object just west of the Lees Scar Lighthouse, Silloth.
A spokesman for the team said: "The lifeboat crew checked the object out and found it to be a large helium balloon.
"This was recovered from the water, to ensure no further reports. False alarm with good intent."
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