A HOVERCRAFT was called out twice to rescue walkers cut off by the tide on the Wirral coastline.

Hoylake RNLI's hovercraft was launched at 1:12pm on Friday, February 2 after the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team spotted two people in danger of being cut off by the incoming tide in Leasowe Bay.

As the tide continued to flood in, the  ‘Hurley Spirit’ and her volunteer crew, headed immediately to the pair's reported position near to Barber’s Folly on the Meols shore.

The hovercraft crew soon located the people, who were now walking amongst the small boat moorings off Meols. The hovercraft crew advised them of the safest route back to the shore and escorted them to the steps in the sea wall near Dovepoint Slipway, where they were met by HM Coastguard officers.

Today (Saturday, February 3) the RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch again by HM Coastguard at 1:31pm following reports of dog walkers at risk of being cut off by the tide near Leasowe Lighthouse.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station were also alerted but as the RNLI volunteer crews were launching, it was confirmed that the walkers and dogs had been guided safely ashore.

Hoylake RNLI Deputy 2nd Coxswain and hovercraft commander, Matt Pownall-Jones, said: "The tide floods in quickly around the Wirral coast. On Leasowe Beach, it can quickly cut you off from your quickest route ashore to the sea wall.

"If you’re heading out across the beach, always check the tide times, plan ahead, and know your route to safety. If you get into difficulty at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."