Two women have been rescued after becoming cut off by high tide in what has been described as a "very close call".

The RNLI were called to Stone Bay in Broadstairs at about 11.45am and the women were found in the water at the foot of the cliffs.

The volunteer crew on board the lifeboat attempted to veer in twice but found the anchor would not hold.

RNLI spokesman Karen Cox said: "They decided to get in as close as possible and put a crew member in the water who then made his way to the casualties.

"Once the casualties were fitted with life-jackets the lifeboat made a second approach allowing one of the women to make her way to the boat with the assistance of the crewman who was in the water.

"The crewman then returned for the second casualty and once the lifeboat was close enough inshore, made his way back to the boat with the second casualty."

The lifeboat then returned to the station and the two women were given thermal jumpsuits to wear after changing out of their wet clothes.

Karen added: "These are usually worn under the crews own kit whilst their clothes were drying in the station dryer.

"This was a very close call, on a day with particularly high tides.

"These conditions are expected to continue for a few more days so advise from the RNLI is to check the tides and always carry a means of communication with you when enjoying our coastline."

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