Two teams of coastguards and the ambulance service were called after a lady fell on the coast path and was thought to have broken her ankle.

The 79-year-old was walking with her partner between Doghouse Hill and Ridge Cliff to the east of Seatown yesterday (Tuesday).

Emergency services were called just before 2pm and the ambulance crew arrived at Seatown and hiked to the lady's location to stabilise her injury and provide pain relief, but needed help from coastguards to transport her back to the ambulance.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Officers quickly responded to the station in West Bay to gather their equipment and 4x4 rescue vehicle then headed for Seatown.

"Our flank team at Lyme Regis were tasked to provide additional officers should an extended stretcher carry be required, as well as their own 4x4 vehicle.

"On arrival at Seatown, the West Bay vehicle headed off-road to the east, closely followed by the Lyme Regis vehicle. Thankfully, the ground conditions allowed both rescue vehicles to travel all the way to the casualty's location.

"After liaising with the ambulance crew, the lady was carefully lifted then maneuverer into the West Bay vehicle which then started the slow and careful drive back down to Seatown with one of the paramedics on board.

"The casualty's partner and second ambulance crew member followed in the Lyme Regis vehicle with the remaining coastguard officers taking the slightly slower route back on foot.

"Once back at Seatown, the casualty was transferred into the ambulance for her onward journey to hospital.

"We wish her a speedy recovery.

"Stay safe on the coast but if you find yourself in difficulty or if you are concerned for others, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."