Two 12-year-old boys were out exploring the north Devon coastline when they got cut off by the tide 10m up a cliff.

Several passers-by reported the boys’ predicament to the Coastguard, which requested the launch of Ilfracombe’s D class lifeboat Deborah Brown II. Arriving on scene, Crew Member Mark Tucker swam 3m to the cliff face and climbed up (pictured) to reassure the boys and make sure they stayed safe while awaiting evacuation. An RAF helicopter was soon on scene and the boys were winched aboard and taken to a nearby football field, where they were reunited with their families.