Sea rescue drama at Weston

This is the dramatic moment a family-of-nine from Birmingham were plucked to safety after venturing on to treacherous mudflats near Weston-super-Mare.

The three adults and six children had tried to cross Uphill's River Axe to get to the village of Brean on foot but became stuck.

The youngsters, including one infant, were suffering from exhaustion and two were starting to develop hypothermia. All nine were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Coastguard officer Steve Bird said: "They were covered in mud from head to toe and could not have got back to the beach unaided."

A RAF helicopter from Chivenor, Devon, rescued five of the children while the remaining four people were taken to Weston Bay yacht club by lifeboat.

Liam McDermott, a lifeboat helmsman, said: "This is the most dangerous part of Weston Bay. It looks simple to cross but is impossible.

"Without the prompt help of the helicopter and lifeboat, this incident could have ended very differently.

"If you are a local person and see anyone trying to cross here make sure you warn them of the dangers and call the emergency services if they get into difficulties."

Despite signed warnings, tourists regularly become stranded in the mudflats.