A MAN was airlifted to hospital suffering from serious breathing problems as a result of a surfing accident off a Cornish beach yesterday.

The surfer, who has not been named, was thought to have been treated by an off-duty GP at the Ligger Point end of Perranporth beach on the North Cornwall coast.

The Cornwall Air Ambulance took the man to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, around 10 miles away.

Falmouth Coastguards received a call from a member of the public just after 10am yesterday.

Coastguards were sent to the beach but it was decided the air ambulance would be the quickest way to get the man to hospital. A Devon and Cornwall Police community support officer also attended the scene.

The victim's family were also said to be on Perranporth beach so were aware of the incident.

Police said he was an experienced surfer who got into difficulties.

The man was not thought to have suffered any physical injuries but was found with "serious respiratory difficulties" and received treatment to resuscitate him.