Two rescued in New Year's Day operation on West Norfolk coast

Two people had to be rescued by Lifeboat crews after they were cut off by the tide at a popular West Norfolk coastal spot yesterday.

Service chiefs say the unseasonably mild weather, which has seen record New Year temperatures recorded, may have helped the rescue operation at Scolt Head Island, near Brancaster.

And they have pleaded for others visiting the coast this weekend to be aware of the conditions.

Coastguard officials were alerted shortly before 5pm yesterday to two people and a dog who had been cut off by the tide, after setting out for a walk from Burnham Overy several hours earlier.

The Wells Inshore Lifeboat reached them around 40 minutes later. Although the people were described as being wet and cold, they did not need medical treatment.

The incident happened only hours after the UK's warmest New Year's Day temperature ever was recorded in London and the unseasonably mild weather tempted many to visit coastal areas.

Wells Lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy said: "Whilst today’s outcome was a good one, it may have not been the case had the weather had not been so unseasonably mild.

"It is essential that walkers check the tide times before setting out and return to the mainland at least four hours before high tide.

"People will undoubtedly continue to enjoy our coastline over this bank holiday weekend, so it is imperative that walks are planned taking the afternoon high tides into account."