LIFEBOATMEN have slammed the "thoughtlessness" of a family who triggered a full-scale air and sea rescue search.

The Teesmouth all weather lifeboat and Redcar inshore lifeboat were both launched following the discovery of children's clothes on a beach at Redcar.

They were joined by the Cleveland Police spotter plane with officers on board using heat-seeking equipment.

The cause of the search operation was the discovery of a child's pair of shorts, T-shirt and trainers all neatly piled near the water's edge.

The search was called off only after nothing further was found and no children were reported missing.

Rescue workers are appealing to families to use greater care in making sure that after a day out at the seaside all clothing is collected from the beach, to avoid sparking further scares.

Dave Cammish, deputy launching authority for Redcar lifeboat, said: "I am sure the clothing was left inadvertently.

"It doesn't happen that often, but when it happens it is just thoughtlessness. We are never going to take a chance and will launch and search when clothing is found."

He urged families who return home only to realise clothes have been left on the sand, to telephone police or the coastguard to avoid a major operation being launched.