A woman and her two dogs had to be rescued after being cut off by the tide.

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) at 12.50pm to a report of a woman in distress fearing being cut off by the tide near Pinhay bay, between Lyme Regis and Charton bay.

The lifeboat crew were quick to launch and were soon on scene with the boat to begin searching for the stranded woman and her two dogs.

The volunteer lifeboat crew spotted the woman ashore who was waving to attract their attention, they deployed a crew member to swim ashore and to reassure the casualty. One of the dogs was blind and struggling with the terrain. The crew member escorted the casualty and dogs to Charton bay, due to the flat calm conditions the lifeboat was able to get close enough for the casualty and dogs to jump aboard the lifeboat to return safely to Lyme Regis.

The local coastguard team greeted the lifeboat on return to Lyme Regis harbour and the woman and dogs were taken back to her car.

Lifeboat Helm Tom Crabbe said: “The weather and see conditions made for a quick and safe recovery. It is important for people to check tide times before heading out. If you see someone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”