Pet owners who tried to rescue their dog from a cliff had to be saved themselves after getting trapped.

The couple were on holiday in Devon and were walking along the clifftops near Ilfracombe on Tuesday 2 March when their pet dog got stuck.

But the owners got into trouble when they attempted to rescue their pet and the man called emergency services from his mobile phone.

Coastguard rescue teams from Mortehoe and Ilfracombe were dispatched and an RAF search and rescue helicopter was sent to the scene.

The woman was helped to safety using cliff rescue equipment and the helicopter crew was able to winch the man and his pet dog off the cliff.

Steve Jones of Swansea Coastguard said: "Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leads when they are exercising them near cliffs.

"We would also advise owners not to put themselves at risk for their pets, but call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

No one was hurt during the incident.