Coastguard rescues dozens of youngsters who got lost on Kent beach

Dozens of teenagers have been rescued by the coastguard after getting lost on a Kent beach.

A search operation involving lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter and the emergency services was launched on Monday evening to find the group of 34 youngsters and two adults after the alarm was raised with Kent Police at around 9pm.

It is understood the walking party were hiking along a coastal path near St Margaret's Bay and Dover when they lost their way.

The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd, Dover RNLI lifeboat, two Walmer RNLI lifeboats and Langdon Coastguard Rescue Team were dispatched to the area. An ambulance was also at the scene.

A coastguard spokeswoman said the group had been rescued by around 11pm and were "safe and well".

The Port of Dover tweeted: "Pleased to see coordinated response bringing people safely ashore. Well done to Coastguard & local RNLI crew.

"Lesson to us all to be careful around water and check tidal information, particularly at this time of year. Stay safe."