Stern safety advice had to be given by coastguards to two people climbing the cliff at Charmouth.

West Bay Coastguard were conducting a high visibility patrol of the area when they spotted someone high up on the cliff face - around 95 feet from the ground and 20 feet from the top.

It was unclear whether the person had fallen over the edge of the cliff or was climbing the cliff from the beach.

Coastguard officers put an immediate radio message through to Solent Coastguard who started preparing to task a full cliff rescue response should it be required.

Meanwhile, the officers quickly made their way on foot to the area to fully assess the situation and make contact with the person on the cliff.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Once closer, it was found that there were in fact two persons high on the cliff face and they appeared to be attempting to climb the cliffs from the beach below.

"Once they spotted the approaching officers, they quickly ceased their climbing attempt and returned back down to a place of safety.

"With the persons now back on the beach, Solent Coastguard was updated and very stern safety advice was issued as to the dangers involved, and the emergency response that was about to be tasked.

"The coastguard officers then resumed their patrol without further incident.

"Coastguard advice remains clear - stay well away from the base of the cliffs and do not attempt to climb the cliffs for any reason. Rockfalls and landslides can happen at any time and without warning, and you have to ask yourself, 'why take the risk?'

"Stay safe on the coast, but if you find yourself in difficulty, or if you see something that gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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