A child stuck in mud up to their waist had to be rescued in West Bay earlier today (Saturday, March 2).

The six-year-old became stuck in the mud at West Beach and was rescued by a joint effort from firefighters and a member of the coastguard trained in mud rescue.

A crew from Bridport Fire Station used ladders and salvage sheets  to reach the child who then received casualty care from the coastguard team, until paramedics arrived on the scene.

Weymouth Fire Station was in the process of sending a specialist rescue team but it was not needed.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters from Bridport, assisted by a coastguard team, have rescued a six year child who was stuck in mud up to their waist at West Beach, West Bay.

"The child was quickly reached and removed from the mud by firefighters and a member of the coastguard trained in mud rescue.

"They used ladders and salvage sheets to reach the child, and the coastguard team provided casualty care until the arrival of an ambulance crew.

"A specialist technical rescue team proceeding from Weymouth Fire Station was not required."

HM Coastguard has been contacted for more information about the rescue.