A local fisherman helped to rescue two people who became trapped by the sea on an island nature reserve in Norfolk.

The Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat launched yesterday (Friday) at 4.30pm after being alerted by Humber Coastguard that pair had been cut off by the rapidly rising tide on Scolt Head Island. 

Wells RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat yesterday evening (Image: Wells RNLI) A three-person crew set off down the harbour channel towards Scolt Head before being advised at 4.50pm that the people were being ferried to safety by a local fisherman. 

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The pair were taken to shore where they were checked over by the local coastguard team who confirmed no further assistance was required. 

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat (Image: Wells RNLI) Lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy has urged beach-goers to check tide times, adding: "Getting cut off by the tide at this time of the year can be particularly dangerous due to the increased risk of cold water shock.

"If you are cut off by the tide call 999 and ask for the Coastguards.

"Make sure you get back to the main part of the beach at least four hours before wells bar high tide time."

Scolt Head Island is an offshore barrier island between Brancaster and Wells-next-the-Sea in north Norfolk.