TWO climbers who hadn't been seen or heard from since Monday were found safe and well this afternoon.

Dorset Police had raised concerns for the pair with the coastguard. The climbers' car was found at Durlston Country Park, and officials drew up a search area to cover.

Some of the climbers' kit was then found in the Boulder Ruckle area of the park. The searchers then took positions along the cliffs in the hope that they would be able to spot the pair.

Before long, the climbers were seen slowly making their way up the Marmolata Buttress climb. They were met at the top by coastguards.

A spokesperson from the Swanage Coastguard said: "Although cold, the pair were fine, despite having spent the night in the elements.

"They were soon on their way back to their car."

The pair had abseiled in using another climber's rope, which was already in place.

However, by the time they were ready to go home, a second rope had been removed from above.

"The climbers found themselves tired, cold and stuck at the bottom of the cliff," the spokesperson said.

"Rather than try to risk climbing out on Monday night, the experienced pair set off on Tuesday morning using gear to set up a safety line as they progressed in the absence of a rope from above."