A surfer has been found and rescued after more than 30 hours in the water.

Matthew Bryce, 22, had been missing since around 9am on Sunday in the St Catherine's area of Argyll, believed to be heading to Westport Beach near Campbeltown.

Mr Bryce, who is from Glasgow, was found by the Coastguard 13 miles from the Argyll coast on Monday evening.

He was taken to hospital in Belfast to be checked over.

Dawn Petrie, who co-ordinated the search at Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre, said: "Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned.

"But at 7.30pm the crew on the Coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surf board and 13 miles off the coast.

"He was kitted out with all the right clothing, including a thick neoprene suit, and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea.

"He is hypothermic but conscious and has been flown to hospital in Belfast."

Chief Inspector Paul Robertson said: "It has been a real team effort and I would like to thank everyone who offered
their assistance."