VOLUNTEERS coastguards in Dawlish are now charged with specialising in mud and water rescues.

Teams in the area have had a review which means skills across the groups have been re-organised.

Dawlish coastguards are now able to carry out rescues from mud and water using specialist equipment.

A spokesman for the Dawlish team said: ‘The mud capability means we will work with Tamar Coastguard Rescue Team and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to provide mud rescue across South Devon the South Hams and into Plymouth.

‘Rope rescue is now covered by Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team and Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team for our area.’

Training will now be carried out in the area.

The spokesman added: ‘Keep any eye out in the area to see us training and keeping up the skills. You may even see our replacement truck set up for mud rescue.’