ONLY when the tide rose around their ankles did intrepid members of Dunster and newly formed Alcombers Women’s Institutes finally abandon their tea party on Dunster Beach – happy they had raised awareness of what a rise in sea levels might be like in the future.

More than 20 WI members took part in a ‘Turning the Tide’ event – in a strong wind and rough sea – as part of World Oceans Day.

Dressed in their summer finery, they enjoyed tea and scones in the sea in order to highlight the impact of climate change on sea levels on the Somerset coastline.

Organised by Somerset Wildlife Trust, Dunster Beach Holidays, the WIs and Plastic-Free Minehead and West Somerset, Turning the Tide focused on the effects of climate change, rising sea levels and marine litter through fun family activities.

Alcombers WI president Julie Sims said: “It was really cold and things were blowing around quite alarmingly but we still enjoyed it – and the important thing was we made our point.

“We would certainly do it again if the weather was calmer. Next time we might be able to keep tea in the cups!”