Coastguards rescue stranded lamb

Coastguards said the lamb would have drowned at high tide

A lamb trapped in mud on a riverbank in Somerset was helped to safety by coastguards.

The rescue team was initially called to West Huntspill to hunt for a swimmer in the River Parrett who was later found alive and well.

Burnham-on-Sea coastguard Steve Bird said the lamb would certainly have drowned in the next high tide.

"The animal was struggling in deep mud and the police asked whether we might be able to help," he said.

"Special safety boards were used to reach the animal and one of the team carried the lamb to safety, much to the relief of the grateful farmer.

"It does again illustrate the dangerous nature of the mud along Somerset's coastline."