Fire crews rescued two girls who had become stuck in mud at the base of a cliff on the Isle of Sheppey after taking a short cut.

The drama unfolded as high tide approached this evening. Light was failing and the girls were already suffering mild hypothermia.

Watch manager Andrew Bridger-Smart of Kent Fire and Rescue said people should realise how perilous it can be on the island.

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Describing the rescue operation, he said: "We could see the girls about three quarters of a mile away, but because the tide was already nearly in, we couldn’t reach them on foot.

"Thankfully the RNLI boat took KFRS crew, along with our mud rescue kit to the foot of the cliff saving vital time.

"We used a mud rescue path to reach the girls and released them using a special mud lance.

"We were then able to bring them to safety across the mud rescue path and the RNLI boat took them to shore where they were treated for mild hypothermia by the ambulance team.

"The public need to understand just how dangerous mud can be, and how unpredictable it is. What may seem a firm and safe area can be just feet away from dangerous mud.

"Though it may look firm enough to walk on, it is incredibly sticky and can cause a vacuum under foot. That means the more you try to pull your way out, the more the vacuum holds you – which is what happened to the girls today.

“There are some treacherous conditions around the island and the public need to take these dangers seriously.

"If you are out walking always take a mobile phone so you can call for help, and make sure your dogs also stay away from mud, as often owner get themselves into difficulties when they try to rescue their pets."

The girls were not injured in their ordeal.

Video: Lifeboat and fire crews rescue girls from the mud