Coastguards were called into action to search for two climbers who hadn't been seen since the previous day.

Swanage Coastguard Rescue was called by Dorset Police on Tuesday (30) morning with concern for the welfare of the climbers who had not been seen or heard from since Monday (29).

The climbers' car was found at Durlston Country Park and a search area was drawn up.

Personal equipment was also found in the Boulder Ruckle area, and some of the coastguard team headed to that spot while others took positions further along the cliffs.

The climbers were soon spotted making their up the Marmolata Buttress climb and were met by coastguards at the top.

A spokesman for Swanage Coastguard said: "Although cold, the pair were fine despite having spent the night in the elements and they were soon on their way back to their car.

"It seems that the climbing routes were busy yesterday so they had abseiled in using someone else's rope which was already in place.

"By the time the pair were ready to go home, the other abseil rope had been removed from above and the climbers found themselves tired, cold and stuck at the bottom of the cliff.

"Rather than try to risk climbing out last night the experienced pair set off this morning using gear to set up a safety line as they progressed in the absence of a rope from above."

The coastguards returned to station once they confirmed the climbers were safe and well.