LIFEBOAT volunteers were scrambled when two teenagers got cut off by the rising tide at the bottom of cliffs.

Members of Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station, who were called to Seaham, in east Durham, at about 5pm on Sunday, arrived to find the boys had mananged to climb up a muddy embankment to safety.

The Sunderland inshore lifeboat went to the scene, as well as a shore-based coastguard rescue team from Seaham Coastguard Station.

Ian Rowan, helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: "Thankfully, the teenagers managed to scramble up the muddy embankment to safety before we arrived at the scene.

"The RNLI advise that anyone taking part in coastal walking or other coastal activities should check the times of the tide to help ensure that their group does not become trapped by the rising tide.

"If you do find yourself stranded, you should make your way to the safest piece of high ground and dial 999 for the coastguard."