A GROUP of people sparked concern after they ventured out to the base of Brean Down when the tide was high.

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at 8.10pm on Saturday (August 25) following reports that a group of people had been cut off by the tide.

Two dog walkers had been watching the group and became increasingly concerned for their welfare.

The crew went to the beach and tried to get a visual on the group with their binoculars before it became too dark.

They spotted the group at the base of Brean Down but said it was unclear if they were climbers.

With no other way of making contact and the tide slowly making its way back out, the crew decided a team of three coastguards would make their way out in water rescue gear.

In a three-person formation line the team made their way out into thigh deep water to what is known as Boulders Cove and spoke to the group.

A spokesman for the Coastguard, said: "It became apparent very quickly that they were in actual fact climbers who had been happily enjoying a challenging climb and were packing up ready to make their way back once the tide had receded far enough.

"With this good news, the water rescue team made their way back to the vehicle to de-rig and awaited the climbers to issue a non-emergency number for our Coastguard Operations Room (CGOC) in Milford Haven.

"They can then ring when they are climbing during high tide and let the ops room know they are there and safe.

"It was a very good call from the two ladies who were genuinely concerned that there were people in difficulty, and it's a good call to make.

"In these windy conditions if they were stuck they would've been very cold which can be a danger to life.

"Stay safe out there and if you can, avoid the coast during the bad weather we are expecting."

If you see anyone in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you are planning to climb at Brean Down during high tides please call the ops room on the non-emergency number 01646690909 and just let them know you are there and ok.