Coastguard volunteers were scrambled following a report of five people trapped on the cliff in the blow hole at Trevone on Thursday afternoon.

Newquay and Padstow Coastguard Rescue Teams successfully recovered the casualties one at a time via a technical cliff rescue shortly before 5pm. None required further medical attention.

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard said: "Five persons were recovered from the Round Hole by the combined coastguard rescue teams using a full rope rescue setup.

"It was a complex operation involving multiple rotations or personnel and techniques.

"None of the casualties had suffered any injuries, and all were given appropriate safety advice by the officer in charge prior to being discharged from the scene.

"While we all appreciate the natural wonder of Trevone Round Hole, there is no safe access into it.

"There may appear to be a path at the top of the hole, but this quickly disappears due to erosion. The walls and lip of the hole are unstable, and there are multiple overhangs which could give way under load.

"The safest view of the hole is from the clearly mown path around it!

"One of the casualties was a member of the public who had descended the path to assist the group.

"While we applaud the selfless nature of this act, the correct course of action would have been to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

"If you see someone in trouble on the coast, on the beach, or in the sea ... call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

Later that evening the Newquay Coastguard were tasked to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust with a casualty on Porth Island at 9.45pm. Devon & Cornwall Police plus both Newquay RNLI Lifeboats were also tasked to assist.

After a hasty search and with the lifeboats providing water safety cover the casualty was located and handed over to the ambulance service.