WALKERS are being urged to check the times of high tides after a family had a narrow escape when they became stranded under cliffs at Saltburn.

The couple and their ten-year-old daughter were spotted by coastguard auxiliary officers John Wilson and Jane Foreman, who were on patrol, beneath the cliffs at Huntcliff, Saltburn, on Sunday afternoon.

The family, from Stockton, were clinging to the base of the cliff with their bodies pressed against it when they were spotted. They were rescued by the Redcar Atlantic Class Lifeboat, which was launched into a rough sea, battered by near gale force winds and driving rain.

Dave Cammish, from Redcar Lifeboat Station, said: "All three were soaking wet and very cold when met by the coastguards.

"The girl sustained a serious laceration to her chin and cuts and bruises to her feet.

"At this time the tide was three metres from high tide level. It was a narrow escape.

"They were very lucky and that is all down to the vigilance of the two officers who spotted them on a routine patrol."

Mr Cammish is urging walkers who use the area to check the times of high tides as there have been other groups in the past few years who have been cut off by the sea at the same spot.

He said: "We would ask people to check the time of high tides and not leave things to chance, as it comes in very quickly around this area.

"They need to give themselves enough time to get away. Once they see the tide is beginning to turn they should start to make their way back.

"On Sunday, the little girl was saying that the tide was coming in, but the adults disagreed and said it was in fact going out.

"It wasn't, and the group only managed to escape by wading waist deep in the water to cling on to the cliffs.

"It can be very deceptive around that area and we ask people to take great care."