Fire, ambulance and coastguards were called to Swale Way, Sittingbourne, on Saturday night after a teenager became stuck in mud.

The 13-year-old boy, who has not been named, was trapped up to his waist for half an hour in Milton Creek.

Emergency services had to walk to the site because it was remote and had a difficult access. But by the time they arrived the boy had managed to free himself with the help of friends.

Sittingbourne firefighter Dan Godley said: "When we received the call at 7.25pm the lad was up to his waist in mud. He had been trapped for about 30 minutes but managed to get himself out by the time we arrived.

"Unfortunately, many kids see mud as a challenge and don't realise how dangerous it can be. Tidal mud is like quick sand. It sucks you in."

The boy was checked by paramedics but suffered no lasting effects and was allowed to go home. Mr Godley said: "He was cold, wet and very shaken but apart from that was in a good physical condition."