A LIFEBOAT crewman who sparked a full-scale rescue bid with a hoax call was yesterday ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to his OWN rescue group.

Shamed Donald Grant, 54, duped colleagues by claiming a woman had fallen off a pier into the sea at Embo, Sutherland. But yesterday at Dornoch Sheriff Court he was spared prison - and was instead ordered to pay the cash to colleagues in the East Sutherland Rescue Association.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood let Grant walk free after background reports said he'd suffered a breakdown following a split from his wife.

Sheriff Fleetwood said: "Having heard the background, I think the appropriate disposal is a compensation order which will be a significant token - £2,000 to the East Sutherland rescue organisation."

Lorry driver Grant last month admitted making the call and causing annoyance, inconvenience and needless anxiety to emergency services staff.

The hoax in September sparked a huge response involving ESRA's inshore lifeboat, police, ambulance crews and a search-and-rescue chopper - costing £20,000.

Grant - who was suspended from ESRA after 12 years as a member - was nabbed when his voice was recognised.