A man had to be rescued by helicopter after climbing up a cliff near Seatown in an attempt to escape the incoming spring tide.

West Bay and Lyme Regis Coastguard teams were called yesterday afternoon (Friday) just after 3.20pm to a person in distress.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: "He had become completely stuck 35 metres up the cliff in the impenetrable undergrowth.

"Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched to help the coastguard teams better identify his location and to provide additional safety cover.

"Due to the inaccessible location, it was decided to 'extract' the casualty using coastguard rescue helicopter 175 which was training nearby.

"The aircrew quickly located the casualty and winched him to the safety of the cliff top. After a medical assessment of the casualty, he was escorted back to his car in Seatown.

"The weather this weekend is wet and windy. It coincides with very high spring tides. Please check the weather forecast and tide times.

"Remember, for emergencies on the cliffs, beach, sea or tidal river, call 999 and ask for the coastguards."