A man had a ‘lucky escape’ after he became stuck in some mud with the incoming tide rushing in around him.

The man, who had been climbing cliffs, became stuck on Charmouth Beach on Sunday evening.

With no phone signal, he managed to raise the alarm by catching the attention of a passer-by.

Coastguards were called to the beach shortly after 5pm on Sunday. A team from Lyme Regis responded and a team from West Bay was paged to assist.

The man was reported to be stuck in a mud flow one mile to the east of Charmouth, with the incoming tide only two to three feet away from his position.

Lyme Regis coastguard station officer, Nick Bale, said: “It was dark and that area is susceptible to mud and quicksand. He was climbing along the cliffs, where things can potentially fall, so it was dangerous.

“He was stuck in the mud and with the tide coming in, there was potential for him to be cut off as well. If there is strong wind, the tide comes in quicker. He was fortunate the weather conditions were benign that particular day.

“He has no reception on his phone and managed to wave at someone walking past to get their attention. He’s a very lucky man.”

Seven rescue officers from West Bay assisted the team from Lyme Regis. The RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), based at Lyme Regis, was prepared to take officers and mud rescue equipment directly to the site, however, while en route, an update was received which revealed that the casualty had managed to free himself and was back at Charmouth with coastguard officers.

The lifeboat and West Bay Coastguard were then stood down to return to station. The incident has prompted a warning from the coastguard about staying safe in the area.

A spokesman for West Bay coastguard said: “The Charmouth area is renowned for walking and for finding fossils which can be located in the soft cliffs, clay and mud.

“The area is also prone to cliff falls, mud slides and contains areas of deep mud that pose a danger to walkers, fossil hunters and dogs. Coastguard advice remains very clear - do not climb on the cliffs, mudflows or on rock falls as you could be putting your life, and the lives of those around you, at risk.

“If you do become stuck in the mud, do not panic. Try to spread your weight as much as possible, avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.

“If you have a mobile phone, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard who will send a specially trained mud rescue team.

“Discourage others from attempting to rescue you, since without the proper training and equipment they could become stuck too.”