Coastguards were tasked last night, during thunderstorms, to rescue two youths - aged 14 - who went out fishing.

The coastguards, from Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team, and Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team, were called out during some severe weather.

A spokesperson from the Whitehaven team said: “Due to the heavy and sudden downpour, their planned route back out had become very slippery and unsafe, so they called 999 for the coastguard and sheltered safely until our arrival.

“In this situation, this was exactly the right thing to do.

“Our officer in charge requested if both RNLI and coastguard helicopter support would be available given the weather conditions, but neither of these was an option at this time.

“Coastguard teams working alongside Cumbria police located the two casualties who were not injured and were sheltering at the base of the cliffs.

“Rope rescue equipment was taken to the cliff edge and a rescue technician was kitted and ready to deploy.

Thankfully at this point, with the weather having improved slightly earlier, Workington Lifeboat had managed to launch and were now in sight approaching.

“With this welcome news and to reduce the risk to our rope rescuers, the lifeboat was directed into the casualties’ location.

“They were able to deploy their smaller inflatable boat to recover the two boys from the base of the cliff and back aboard their all-weather lifeboat.

“St Bees RNLI were also in attendance.

“The lifeboat then transferred these to the inshore boat and handed over to awaiting Coastguards at Whitehaven Marina.

“We would like to stress that these youths, having realised the predicament they were in, done exactly the right thing and stopped and called 999 for the coastguard immediately, preventing any worsening of their situation and risk of injury.”

A spokesperson from Workington RNLI said they were called out by Belfast Coastguard at 8:33pm.