CLIMBERS have been urged to consider their actions after coastguards and lifeboat crews were called to reports of people in distress.

St Albans Coastguard and Swanage lifeboat were alerted on Sunday to reports of climbers in distress between Anvil Point and Dancing Ledge.

They were told shortly afterwards that the climbers had made it to the top but have now urged people to think hard about whether they should be climbing at all during lockdown.

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A spokesman for Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team said: "During these difficult times we would like to confirm the situation regarding climbing.

"Help us to stay safe by following this national advice. Climbing and walking appears to be acceptable as a form of exercise under current guidance, but only if it can be done within your local area.

"However, it is worth stressing once again the immense pressure the NHS is currently under and highlighting the need for everyone to dial back their aspirations to objectives well within their abilities.

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"Whilst the new national lockdown will be disappointing news for all, it is hoped that the new guidance together with the rapid roll out of the vaccination programme will allow restrictions to be lifted again in due course."

"The guidance for lockdown activities is slightly clearer cut than last year's lockdown where 'local' was never really defined. This time your local area has been clarified as 'the village, town, or part of the city where you live.' "