A MAN was rescued by coastguard teams after becoming stuck in mud on Highcliffe beach this afternoon.

The man, reportedly aged in his 40s and accompanied by his wife, became stuck in mud at Chewton Bunny at around 2.20pm.

Coastguard rescue units from Lymington and Southbourne attended, and a further team from Poole was also dispatched to the scene but not required.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service also attended the scene and the former assisted the coastguard in the rescue.

The Mudeford lifeboat was readied for launch as the tide was coming in, however it was not needed.

A spokesman for Portland coastguard said: "Coastguard officers conducted the rescue itself.

"The man was transferred to an ambulance and they gave him a good checking over. He was pretty exhausted."

It is not believed that the man suffered any injuries. The incident had concluded by 3.20pm.