A WOMAN has been rescued after falling more than 100ft down a cliff in what a coastal operations commander has described as 'one of the most demanding rescues' he has been involved in.

As reported, a young woman slipped and fell on the coast path at Beer, Devon, at around midday yesterday.

Beer and Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Teams along with HM Coastguard’s helicopter from St Athan, and police and air ambulance, as well as Sidmouth Independent Rescue Boat, Devon and Cornwall Police and South West Ambulance were all sent to the incident.

Coastguard teams had to hack their way through undergrowth so they could set up their rope rescue system at the top of the cliff.

A coastguard officer was lowered down the cliff on ropes and the woman was put in a harness and brought to safety.

Coastal operations area commander Drew Parkinson said it was one of the most demanding rescues he has been involved with.

Describing the rescue, he said: "She was holding onto the edge when we arrived.

"It was a really tense atmosphere as the teams set up the equipment for the rescue and cliff technician Kevin Gosling went down to get her.

"The relief all round when she was brought back up was heartfelt."

Drew also praised the call handler from the NMOC who had spoken with the teenager for nearly 90 minutes, providing reassurance as well as getting vital information to assist with the rescue.