A YOUNG boy had to be pulled out of the mud with specialist equipment by a coastguard team yesterday.

The Lyme Regis Coastguard team was called out to rescue the child at 3.28pm yesterday afternoon in Charmouth. The child was stuck in the mud up to his waist.

On the team's arrival at Charmouth, the mud rescue equipment was carried along the beach to the location.

Specialists were able to safely get to his position and with the use of stretchers were able to get alongside the casualty.

Once in position they were able free the casualty using a specialist mud lance that uses compressed air and water as well as digging.

Once out of the mud, primary casualty care was provided, and the casualty was carefully packaged up in are stretcher. He was then carried back to Charmouth where he was handed over to the ambulance service for further assessment.

The Lyme Regis Coastguard team was supported by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue.

A spokesman for the Lyme Regis Coastguard team said: "This was a successful multi-agency rescue. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

"It only takes one ill-judged step, and you are trapped in the mud. Please stay off the cliffs and mudslides. The poor weather has made the local cliffs and landslides treacherous.

"If you are stuck - stay calm, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."