THE lifeboat rescued a number of people who were cut off by the tide in Charmouth.

A swimmer was also rescued.

Coastguards were alerted to reports of a swimmer in difficulty and found at least eight people cut off by the tide.

The swimmer and some of the walkers were taken into the Lyme Regis RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and others were helped to safety by coastguards.

It happened at around 5.30pm yesterday.