SEARCH and rescue efforts were launched in the early hours of this morning after a person was reported missing near the Somerset coast.

Avon and Somerset Police, along with Burnham-on-Sea and Watchet Coastguard rescue teams, Burnham-on-Sea RNLI, and a Coastguard helicopter Rescue 187, searched the target area in the vicinity of Lillstock cove, with the operation commencing at around 1.20am.

A continual shoreline search was carried out by all the agencies present, before being stood down at 3.30am by Coastguard Control after the missing person had been located by police.

Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers were paged at 1.21am, and reportedly 'leapt from their beds' and on arrival at the lifeboat station launched their Atlantic 85 RNLI lifeboat, Doris Day and Brian, into the cold, dark night.

After the missing person was found, the volunteer crew returned to Burnham-on-Sea for recovery and washdown, eventually leaving the station at 5.30am.

Launch Authority Phil Counsell said: "It was a cold damp night, but we are well equipped and trained to deal with these situations.

"I am pleased the search had a happy conclusion."