A COASTGUARD helicopter airlifted two people to safety after they were cut off by the tide yesterday afternoon.

Lyme Regis and West Bay Coastguard teams were tasked alongside the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat to reports of two people cut off by the tide on Black Ven between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

Th teams were able to identify and locate the two casualties on arrival at the scene but the rising tide meant that the coastguard teams and the lifeboat were unable to reach the couple.

The lifeboat crew managed to send a swimmer ashore to check on the couple's welfare.

A coastguard helicopter had to be called out from Wales to winch the couple and lifeboat crewman off the landslip. The helicopter landed at the local football club.

Both people are reported to be safe and well after the incident.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: "Lyme Regis Coastguard team was tasked alongside our colleagues from West Bay and the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat to reports of 2 people cut off by the tide on Black Ven between Lyme and Charmouth. On arrival at scene, the two casualties were quickly identified and located. Due to the continued rising tide, the Coastguard teams were unable to extract the pair from the beach. The large swell also prevented the lifeboat rescuing the couple.

"With at least two hours until the tide would have fallen sufficiently to allow access on foot, the Coastguard helicopter from St Athan in Wales was requested. The two casualties and the lifeboat crewman were winched off the landslip and landed at the local football club. The casualties were cold but safe and well."

For emergencies on the sea, cliff, river, mud, harbour and beach, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.