MEMBERS of Minehead Coastguard are training to become an operational rope team, which requires meeting tough fitness, medical, and competency requirements.

Senior Coastguard officers from Lynton and Lynmouth helped with a training session at the weekend.

Minehead lifeboatman Michael Webber, who runs Teddyboy Charters, then took them on a trip from Minehead Harbour to Porlock Weir to help gauge areas where rope rescues could be used in the event of a future call out.

A recent call out for the Coastguards was to Blue Anchor beach after somebody became stuck in mud.

However, a Minehead lifeboat crew was also able to attend and gave advice which meant a rescue was not needed.

A Coastguard spokesperson said it illustrated the importance of checking local knowledge and signs in unfamiliar areas.