A GUITARIST'S strumming session resulted in a rescue call-out by the RNLI and coastguard after he was spotted playing "in a precarious position" on cliffs near Whitehaven.

The incident happened at Saltom Bay on Monday Evening.

The man was spotted by a crew from the RNLI St Bees Lifeboat Station when they were on a routine exercise.

They raised their concerns with the Coastguard Operations Centre in Belfast who despatched their team based at the Sneckyeat Industrial Estate

A spokesman for the Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We were dispatched to investigate, and would have provided safe working systems required by specialist police officers, or to safely extricate the casualty from the cliff.

"Thankfully, on arrival, the individual was making his way safely off the cliff.

"He explained he was just looking for somewhere quiet, out of the way, to play his guitar.

"Safety advice was given on the condition of the cliffs by Coastguard officers and the RNLI and then let the individual go on his way."

He added: “With the weather improving and Covid restrictions easing, we are starting to see an increase in the number of people accessing the coast for recreational activities, both afloat and on the beaches and coastal paths.

"Whilst this is great to see, we would ask the public to ensure they do so safely and responsibly.

"If you see anyone in difficult, or have cause for concern at the coast, at sea or on the cliffs, then please immediately call 999 or VHF Channel 16 and ask for the Coastguard.”

In February the team was called out to the North Shore Car Park in Whitehaven, along with police and the Maryport team, to suspected ordnance on the shoreline.

The device was later assessed to be safe by the bomb squad.