Three people were on board a vessel in distress in the Firth of Clyde on Monday evening.

A sailing boat got into difficulty due to engine failure near Toward Point, resulting in a late night emergency call out to the Largs Lifeboat just before 11pm.

It was decided by the lifeboat helm to tow the boat to the nearest haven at Kip Marina.

The tow was completed successfully and the casualty vessel handed over into the safe care of the coastguard rescue team at Kip Marina.

Largs Lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard and started the return to the lifeboat station. With the crew keeping a vigilant watch in the darkness it was quickly noticed the sky was starting to change.

The dancing, swirling curtains of light of the Aurora Borealis began to move across the sky.

The volunteers were truly being rewarded with a breathtaking display illuminating the sky above them as both the Northern Lights and the Perseid meteor shower provided quite the display.

After taking a moment to appreciate this spectacle, Largs lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths said: "It has been a busy couple of days at Largs Lifeboat station. We are fortunate here at Largs RNLI to have such a dedicated team of volunteers who are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help save lives at sea.

"The crew were delighted to witness the Aurora Borealis following their shout on Monday night. It was a magnificent sight to guide the volunteer crew safely home to the lifeboat station.

"If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."