COASTGUARDS from Watchet had a wasted search after firework displays were mistaken for distress flares.

Organisers of any future displays are now being warned to alert the rescue service in advance following the false alarm on Wednesday evening.

The team was sent out after fellow coastguards from Burnham-on-Sea spotted bright lights in the sky falling into the sea in the direction of Watchet just before 8pm.

But soon after beginning their search, the Watchet coastguards sighted a series of firework displays in the Dunster Beach and Ellicombe areas.

Local lifeboats and coastguards continued to scan the water off Watchet and across the Bristol Channel until no further lights could be seen.

A coastguard spokesman said: "We would like to remind anyone planning to undertake a firework display near the coast to remember to contact the coastguard and advise them of the times and dates because whilst they look like fireworks from close by, to anyone watching them from across the water at a distance, they can appear like distress signals."

The spokesman said prior warning would allow the service to eliminate planned displays immediately.

Calls should be made to Swansea Coastguard on 01792 366534.