A WARNING has been issued to people using West Somerset beaches to take extra care after 10 people nearly got trapped in mud in Blue Anchor yesterday.

Firefighters from Minehead and Bridgwater joined HM Coastguards from Watchet at lunchtime on Saturday after inital calls suggested the group were in the mud up to their knees and there was a rising tide.

Fortunately the people had managed to get themselves free of the mud before the emergency services arrived.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Fortunately neither of our organisations or services were required on this occasion, but this strongly reinforces the risks at local beaches.

"If they had remained trapped, along with the speed and their position in relation to the current tide, this had the potential for serious harm or even worse.

"Signs are displayed warning if the dangers of deep mud. 

"Please take extra care at the beach this weekend and be mindful of the hazards and risks that lay hidden under what looks to be sand."