COASTGUARDS had to cancel their Christmas lunch in West Somerset on Monday (December 16) as they joined two different searches for missing people.

The Watchet team were called out in the morning to support Burnham on Sea colleagues, police, and other rescue services in a search of a large area of coast, including the River Parrett, before the person was found after several hours safe and well.

The team returned to Watchet ready for their Christmas meal in the Windmill Inn, West Quantoxhead, but immediately received a second call, this time to search the Blue Anchor area.

Coastguards from Minehead and Lynmouth were also called, along with Exmoor Search and Rescue and Avon and Somerset Police due to the concern around the incident, as well as a Coastguard rescue helicopter from St Athan, in South Wales.

Police eventually found the man late in the evening safe and well and he was reunited with family.