Lifeboatmen and Coastguards attended three separate incidents involving animals over the Easter weekend as glorious spring weather attracted people to the coast.

On Friday afternoon, Swanage Inshore lifeboat responded to a report that a dog had fallen over the cliff near Old Harry Rocks, Swanage and may have suffered a broken leg. On arrival, the ILB evacuated the owner and dog, a schnauzer called Jas who was taken for further treatment.

And soon after, West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team rescued a collie dog, Meg, that had fallen 60 feet down a cliff east of Seatown, Dorset. The dog was recovered to the clifftop unharmed.

Then on Sunday, lifeboat crews rescued seven people and two pets – a rabbit and a dog – from a 41ft yacht after it began taking on water off the Isle of Mull.

The crew of the yacht Blue Note called for assistance while on passage between the islands of Tiree and Iona. When coastguards arrived on the scene the yacht had at least two foot of water aboard but was towed successfully to Tobermory.