A CYCLIST has been praised by the Coastguard after they came to the rescue of a person who was in 'distress' at Brean Down.

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at at 6.07pm on Wednesday (February 5) to a medical evacuation from the fort end of Brean Down.

A person who was cycling along the Down had spotted someone in difficulty emerging from the base of the Down in distress.

The young cyclist helped the person and called 999 for help.

The Coastguard arrived at the scene shortly after police who had made their way to the top of the Down and located the person,

While they were waiting for the ambulance to arrive the Coastguard carried out some medical observations on the person and used blankets to keep them warm as their temperature was falling due to cold wind.

When the ambulance crew arrived they assessed the persons' injuries and the Coastguard put an extraction plan into action which involved carrying a stretcher down Brean Down.

Weston-super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team arrived and helped Burnham Coastguard carry the person down the slope to the awaiting ambulance.

A spokesperson for Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard, said: "A seamless inter-agency incident with everyone working quickly and carefully for the same goal.

"We would like to extend our thanks and take a moment to say what a wonderful job the cyclist did to look after this person, not only dialling 999 but also from reports we received from the police, they gave the person some of their waterproof clothing to keep them warm and shielded from the elements.

"True heroes walk among our community every day and this is just one of many fine examples of that.

"Keep looking out for each other and stay safe out there.

"If you see anyone in difficulty along the coastlines, beaches and paths then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguards."