A TELEPHONE call to the Port William pub at Trebarwith Strand sparked the rescue of two Frenchmen who found themselves cut off by the tide on Saturday afternoon.

Dean Bunt and William Tallas were walking with their dog, Storm, when they were cut off on cliffs, and unaware of how to summon help.

It is believed that the pair remembered the number of a well known directory inquiry service they had seen on an advertisement, phoned them and asked for the number of the local pub at Trebarwith — the Port William.

They rang the pub and told joint resident manager Sue Sleight they were in need of help but were not sure of their exact location.

Despite the unclear signal and the language barriers, Mrs Sleight soon realised the men were on the beach. Staff went outside to try to spot the men, but when they were unable to, they decided to phone the Coastguard.

'DANGEROUS'

Coastguards at Falmouth co-ordinated the rescue and called out the Port Isaac inshore lifeboat and a coastguard team from Boscastle.

Once located, cliff rescue teams were dispatched to help the men, but it was decided the rocky outcrop was too dangerous to attempt, and search and rescue helicopters from RNAS Culdrose were dispatched.

The men and their dog were soon winched to safety and lowered into a field in Treknow.

Peter Bullard, watch manager at Falmouth Coastguard, said: "While no harm came to anyone on this occasion, I'd like to remind everyone to dial 999 in an emergency so we can quickly send the assistance you need rather than spending time trying to find you."