THREE young Hols­worthy men were airlifted to safety after becoming cut off by the Spring tide at Northcott Mouth, near Bude.

The three men, aged 17 to 21, were apparently walking in the area when they became stranded. The Bude Coastguard went to the clifftop above the young men and the Bude Lifeboat was launched as a precaution.

The Air Sea rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor in North Devon was alerted. When it arrived at the scene, the three stranded youngsters were airlifted to the cliff top.

They were found to be safe and well and did not require any medical equipment.

A spokesman for Bude RNLI said the alarm was raised by the young men using a mobile — a precaution recommended to anyone walking between the cliffs — but added that walkers should check the tide tables before setting out, particularly with the high Spring tides.

The rescue took place on April 28 and the lifeboat was launched at 9.15pm.