Staff at a beach café have been praised for helping a woman who fell and hit her face on a rock.

West Bay Coastguard was called yesterday (Saturday) at 5.40pm by Solent Coastguard to help the 59-year-old woman who had tripped outside The Watch House Café on East Beach. The ambulance service was responding to the incident but asked that the coastguard attend to provide assistance until it arrived.

Officers quickly responded to the station in West Bay to gather their equipment and rescue vehicle then travelled the short distance to the scene.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: “On arrival, the lady was being cared for by her family and members of staff from the café.

“Coastguard officers carried out an initial assessment, provided first aid and then assisted the casualty from the beach to a place of shelter.

“She was then monitored and handed over to the ambulance service when they arrived a short time later for her trip to Dorset County Hospital.

“We wish the lady a full and speedy recovery. Special thanks goes out to the managers and staff at The Watch House Café for providing assistance until the emergency services arrived.

“Stay safe on the coast but if you find yourself in difficulty or if you are concerned for others, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”