TWO people and a dog were rescued after they got stuck on a cliff.

Fire crews were called at 1.01pm yesterday afternoon to reports of two people and a dog trapped on the cliff at Thorncombe Beacon, near Eype. One of the people was stuck in mud.

Crews from Bridport, West Bay, Lyme Regis and Beer coastguard rescue teams, as well as technical rescue teams from Weymouth, Poole and Colyton were all mobilised to help.

Upon arrival, the two people were safely making their way down to Eype to be assessed by paramedics, but the dog was still missing.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Bridport's 4x4 appliance was mobilised to assist West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team, Lyme Regis Coastguard and Beer Coastguard Rescue Team with two persons, one of which was stuck in mud, and a dog trapped on the cliff at Thorncombe Beacon.

"Weymouth Fire Station technical rescue, Poole Fire Station technical rescue and Colyton Fire Station rope rescue were all also mobilised.

"On the scene, the incident commander was briefed by the coastguard officer in charge. Both persons had self-rescued from the cliff and were making their way down to Eype to be assessed by casualty carers.

"A search from the cliff edge commenced and the Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Station crews were also mobilised to search from the water line.

"With no sign of the dog it was decided to send rope technicians over the cliff to search for the animal. Both coastguard and fire services set up rope rescue systems and abseiled down the cliff and into the undergrowth to try and find the dog.

"Fire fighters also made their way along the beach to the undercliff to carry out a search.

"Both rope teams had to descend and ascend multiple times in different locations to try and find the dog. Eventually the dog was located and rescued by fire crews.

"This incident took over 4 hours and multiple resources. Accidents happen and thankfully this finished with a happy ending, but a few safety measures when walking dogs could stop scenarios like this from happening.

"Keep dogs on leads around farm animals and keep dogs on leads when walking along coast paths. If your dog does go over the cliff do not put yourself in danger by attempting your own rescue. Dial 999 and ask for the emergency services."