An asylum seeker trying to reach the UK in a kayak has been picked up in the Channel close to the Kent coast.

The Border Force and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency responded to a report of a kayak being spotted by a ferry at about 12.30pm on Saturday.

The Border Force cutter HMC Searcher was deployed to pick up the man, who says he is Iranian and was reportedly living in the Calais refugee camp until it was dismantled last week.

The man, believed to be about 30, says he was persecuted in Iran after converting to Christianity, Sky News reported.

The Home Office said his case would be dealt with in line with immigration rules.

More than 5,500 residents of the main refugee camp in Calais were moved out over a number of days last week. French authorities say they have relocated more than 4,000 people.