A VOLUNTEER lifeboat crew carried out a dramatic rescue operation after a couple became stuck up a cliff near Watchet.

The crew from Minehead RNLI Lifeboat Station were sent to the incident after the couple, in the 20s, reported they were stuck in St Audries Bay with the tide rising below them.

The two boats from the station were quickly on the scene after the 999 call out shortly after 8.30pm on Tuesday.

A coastguard rescue helicopter stood by and illuminated the scene after the two were located.

A lifeboat station spokesperson said: "The pair were helped to scramble down into the station’s D class boat, transferred to Minehead’s Atlantic 85 and put ashore at Watchet marina a mile away, unharmed but shaken by the experience.

"Fantastic back up support as usual from HM Coastguard Watchet, Lynmouth Coastguard Search and Rescue and the Coastguard Helicopter team from St Athans."