A MAJOR rescue operation was launched to rescue a child trapped in mud on the cliffs at Charmouth.

Lyme Regis Coastguard was dispatched to the scene.

A spokesman said: "Our colleagues from West Bay were also responding.

"Fire brigade teams from Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Axminster and Poole were also dispatched.

"On arrival at Charmouth, two coastguards walked to the casualty's location to assess the situation while the rest of the team carried the mud rescue equipment to the scene.

"Once on scene, the casualty was located approximately 30 metres up the cliff with one leg stuck in mud up to his knee.

"Whilst awaiting the arrival of all the rescue equipment, the coastguards and fire service put a ladder across the mud.

"This allowed the casualty to sit on to the ladder and feel more secure.

"He was then able to lift his stuck leg up further and by removing some soft material, the casualty was quickly freed.

"The casualty was carefully carried down from the cliff and placed in stretcher and taken back to Charmouth to an awaiting ambulance.

"He was mildly hypothermic, and the decision made to take him to Dorset Count Hospital to be fully assessed.

"Please do not be tempted to climb the cliffs. Even after the warm spell there are still areas which are very dangerous with soft mud as well as the risk of falling debris.

"Thanks to the first informant who used the What3Words smartphone app to report the exact location of the incident.

"This allowed the rescue teams to get to the correct location extremely quickly. If you do become stuck call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."