Couple rescued from foot of cliffs Redcar lifeboat helmsman Peter Hodge has been awarded a Bronze Medal for the outstanding rescue of two walkers and a dog cut off by the tide on 19 January. The couple and dog were trapped atthe foot of high cliffs as the tide rushed in, threatening to sweep them away.

Thanks to the skill, experience and decisive action of helmsman Hodge and the crew's determination, courage and teamwork, the service was carried out quickly in adverse conditions, close to shore and among rocks.

Redcar's Atlantic 21 Leicester Challenge was launched into difficult sea conditions, an 11-13ft swell and onshore NW Force 5 wind, at 1314 on 19 January to assist two persons cut off by the tide at the base of Hunt Cliff, over four miles ESE of the station.

The lifeboat, with Peter Hodge at the helm, was lifted almost vertical by a wave as she entered the water.

Incoming tide Leicester Challenge arrived on scene at 1324. The man, woman and dog were trapped beneath high cliffs with the incoming tide breaking all round them. They had moved onto high loose shale, bu t their position seemed untenable. The ll-13ft swell was breaking directly onshore some 130 yards off.

Hodge took the lifeboat through the first line of breaking seas and turned head-to-sea to assess the situation.

After consulting his crew, he told the coastguard he intended to attempt a rescue.

Hod ge tu rned the lif eboa t to shore and ran in through heavy seas, using both engines and helm to control the lifeboat in such dangerous conditions.

About 200ft from the cliff, the anchor was let go in 16ft of water. The engines were worked astern and, after a short distance dragging along the flat scar, the anchor held.

Hodge veered down towards the casualties with crew members Mark Reeves in the bow and Derek Robinson taking soundings with a paddle over the stern. The lifeboat was constantly awash and once Reeves, jammed into the bow to maintain his position, was engulfedin water.

Around 50ft from shore, Robinson touched bottom with the paddle. Crew member Barry Wheater volunteered to swim ashore with a line tiedaround his waist. On reaching shore he made fast the line. The lifeboat was manoeuvred closer to shore. The engines were stopped and tilted clear to avoid damage from the rocks.

Crew member Robinson went ashore with the stern line to assist Wheater and to help prevent the lifeboat being drawn seaward. The seas lifted the lifeboat and pounded her against the rocks. At 1340, with Reeves on the anchor warp and Wheater and Robinson ashore, Hodge assisted the two survivors, Mr and Mrs Darling, and their dog Monty into the lifeboat.

They were fitted with lifejackets and wrapped in foil blankets.

The crewmen ashore returned, the stern line was cut and the lifeboat was hauled, still grounding heavily, clear into deeper water. The engines were lowered and started, the anchor rope was cut, and the lifeboat was driven out through the surf.

At 1345, an RAF helicopter arrived on scene from Boulmer but, not being required, left the area. Hodge set a course back to station and beached the lifeboat on the sand. The survivors were landed at 1403.

In his official report, deputy inspector of lifeboats for the East, Tim Harrison, wrote that: 'Hodge showed great leadership in quickly assessing the danger...courageously taking the lifeboat into heavy breaking seas... a truly excellent service and a great team effort which resulted in the crew coolly and professionally saving the casualties'.

Crew members Derek Robinson, Barry Wheater and Mark Reeves have been awarded the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum..