A MAJOR rescue operation was launched after two people became trapped halfway up a cliff.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924, Newquay, Polzeath and Padstow Coastguard teams as well as Padstow lifeboat attended the incident at Pentire Steps at Bedruthan on Tuesday, May 26 at 7.30pm.

Two technical rope rescue systems were rigged up, and two rope technicians were lowered down to them. The lifeboat stood by offshore.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Once both casualties were assessed for injuries and secured they were individually lowered with a technician down to the beach below.

“Once all four were safely on the ground Rescue 924 winched both casualties and rope technicians up into the cab.

“They were then flown back to their base at Newquay airport, before being taken to their transport.”