TWO young boys had to be rescued from a river in Somerset after they waded into the water to retrieve a ball.

Two fire engines from Yeovil and a specialist rescue team from Bridgwater were sent to the scene in Birchfield Park, Lyde Road, Yeovil.

The incident occured on Saturday, at shortly after 3pm.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire Control received a call from a couple of young lads who had managed to get themselves stuck down the side of a bank to the River Yeo.

"They had been playing football in a  nearby park and lost the ball, following into ankle deep water.

"They unfortunately then found themselves unable to get back up the bank from the river as it was too deep and slippery.

"One of our call handlers remained on the phone to the boys until our crews were able to reach them."

The boys were quickly rescued using a triple extension ladder, ropes and lines along with water safety equipment.

They were unharmed.