The Wells RNLI lifeboat was one of three vessels involved in the aborted search. Photo: Dennis Smith CC-BY-SA-2.0

A charity kayaker has been given guidance after he sparked a huge search off the Norfolk coast.

An operation involving Coastguard rescue teams, two lifeboats and a rescue hovercraft was called off after the man was found camping in north Norfolk.

The kayaker, who Coastguard officers believe to be attempting a round-Britain paddle for charity, had not contacted his family since Thursday.

He left King’s Lynn on Wednesday and when nothing was heard from the man a search was started today.

Yarmouth Coastguard coordinated the search which involved Sutton Bridge, Hunstanton, Wells and Cley Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats from Hunstanton and Wells, and the RNLI hovercraft from Hunstanton.

The man was located this afternoon, safe and well.

Glynn Young, watch manager at Yarmouth Coastguard, said: “We’d always recommend that kayakers tell someone at home their passenger plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale and any other relevant information.

“It would also be advisable to consider advising the Coastguard of your intentions and any deviation of your plans en route.

“You should also carry a VHF marine band radio. Call the Coastguard if you get into difficulty, preferably via channel 16 on your radio or if not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

A Coastguard spokesperson said the kayaker had been given safety advice and guidance.