Two women stuck waist-deep in mud made a desperate 999 call for help.

The pair alerted emergency crews after they became trapped on Minster cliffs at 3.30pm today.

Coastguard crews were first on the scene and called firefighters to help with the rescue attempt.

Using specialist mud paths, they worked together to free the women, who appeared to be suffering the effects of hypothermia.

An RAF rescue helicopter was also scrambled but not needed as the pair were taken to hospital by land ambulance.

Coastguard rescue officer James Crane said: “HM Coastguard are keen to advise all users of coastal resources to avoid areas of mud and soft earth, especially at this time of year as the wet cliffs and soil become treacherous and unstable.

“If any person finds themselves in this kind of difficulty, they are advised to follow the example of the casualties earlier today and to ring 999 and report their situation to HM Coastguard.”