FIVE climbers who became trapped on a cliff ledge were rescued in a dramatic four-hour operation in darkness.

They were hauled to safety by expert coastguard climbers in a difficult operation which ended just before midnight on Wednesday.

Coastguards described it as a “technically demanding rescue”.

They said a group of at least seven friends had attempted to abseil at Guillemot Ledge, a popular spot for experienced enthusiasts east of Dancing Ledge on the Purbeck coast.

But following the descent, five members of the group were unable to climb back up, becoming stranded near the base of the cliff as big waves crashed up onto the beach.

According to the website Climb Dorset, Guillemot Ledge has “some of the most challenging pitches along the entire South West coast with the highest sections of climbing along the Dorset coast.”

Two climbers who managed to reached the top of the cliff safely alerted the coastguard at about 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans were supported by both Swanage RNLI lifeboats in the rescue.

A spokesman for Swanage RNLI said: “A crew member made his way across the rocky shoreline to the ledge where the casualties were waiting. All casualties were reported fine and well.

“The lifeboat crew then attempted to recover the casualties, but with a rough sea and submerged rocks, it meant it was not possible to reach a safe location for all the casualties to be easily transferred.”

Due to rough sea conditions, the climbers were lifted to safety via the cliff face.

A spokesman for Swanage Coastguard said: “The location is a difficult cliff area but two coastguard rescue officers descended the cliffs and started the technically demanding rescue, recovering one climber at a time.

“Each climber was checked out as they were recovered to the top of the cliff before the coastguard took them back to their vehicles, having offered some safety advice.”

Advice has been issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to those who enjoy coastal activities.

A spokesman for the MCA said: “We are aware that this is a very popular pastime along the coastline.

“Our advice about coastal activities like this remains the same. We want you to enjoy the coast but return safely so make sure you’ve checked weather conditions, that you have all the correct equipment, that you’ve told someone where you’re going and what time you’re likely to return.

“Also make sure you have at least one means of communication and that it is fully charged.

“We also know that even the best laid plans can go wrong so if you do find yourself in difficulty or see someone else having problems, then call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”