A nine-year-old schoolgirl who became trapped between giant rocks whilst playing on the beach at Aberaeron was dramatically rescued yesterday afternoon.

New Quay inshore RNLI lifeboat was called into action at 5pm after the alarm was raised that the girl was trapped inside the sea defences, as the tide was beginning to rise.

It was the first call out for 17-year-old RNLI volunteer Tom Evans who crawled inside the rock and helped release the girl by cutting her out of her wellington boots.

Ben Billingham, RNLI mechanic at New Quay was also on board the inshore lifeboat with RNLI volunteer Brett Stones.

Ben said: ‘We reached the scene and it really was quite dramatic as waves were beginning to crash against the rocks. Tom did a really great job of crawling down into the rock to reach the girl. He cut her wellington so he could push her forward to free her as the tide was coming in behind her.

‘The sea defences weight about six or seven tonnes and can only be described as giant rocks. It was certainly one of the more unusual incidents we have attended, but we never quite know what to expect when the call for help comes.

‘We’re just glad the incident came to a positive conclusion and it was certainly an interesting first shout for Tom.’