A woman and a dog had to be rescued from a muddy harbour by the coastguard.

Concerned onlookers called 999 after seeing the pair get into difficulties at Folkestone seafront shortly before midday yesterday.

Coastguard rescue teams from Folkestone and Romney Marsh were sent to investigate and they managed to bring the woman and the pooch to safety.

The ambulance service was also notified.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: "Folkestone and Romney Marsh Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to investigate after receiving a 999 call from a member of the public reporting a person and a dog stuck in the mud at Folkestone Harbour at 11.45am.

"Both were recovered to safety and looked over by Coastguard teams."

It is not the first time visitors to the coast at Folkestone have got into difficulties in the mud of the harbour.

There were two rescues in quick succession last January.

The coastguard, as well as two fire engines, were called to the harbour to rescue a stranded trio - two men and one woman - from the mud.

Just a day later a child had to been helped free after getting into difficulties.

In May two people became stuck up to their waists in mud at The Stade and fire bosses issued a safety warning about the dangers of deep mud around Kent's coastline.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "The public should take care around coastal areas and waterways and to also be aware of tidal times.

"Crews would also like to remind everyone to take note of warning signs and to avoid wading out too far in coastal or muddy areas since it can be deeper than you think."

Later that same month a man who got stuck in mud at the harbour had a lucky escape because by the time rescuers reached the scene he was already waist-deep in seawater.