Elderly couple and dog rescued from rising tide at popular West Norfolk seaside spot

An elderly couple and a dog were rescued today after being cut off by the rising tide on the West Norfolk coast.

Two others swam to safety to raise the alarm after the party got into difficulty at Scolt Head island, off Brancaster, this afternoon.

Hunstanton lifeboat crews were sent to the area after Coastguard officials were alerted to the group's plight shortly before 1.50pm today.

A crew spokesman said the group were on holiday in West Norfolk from the Nottingham area and the two younger members of the party swam across the channel to the beach in order to seek help.

The couple and the dog were picked up by the lifeboat crew before being left in the care of local Coastguard officers.