Cumbria Constabulary has praised the actions of local people and police officers after they rescued two children from the sea at Port Haverigg.

The two local children, a 12-yr-old boy and a 13-yr-old girl, had entered the lagoon but got into difficulties about 100 metres from the shoreline at around 6pm last Sunday.

When police arrived the children were tiring and two local men were swimming out to rescue them.

On arrival PCs Rachel Brown and Ben Strain, who form part of the Millom Neighbourhood Policing Team, swam out to join the rescue attempt.

Between them, the four swimmers managed to support the children and swim them back to land where the two youngsters were treated for shock before being taken to Furness General Hospital as a precaution.

Sergeant Rachel Brown said: "This was a near tragedy, which was only averted by the presence of mind of witnesses and the bravery of the local people and police officers who swam to the aid of the children.

"I am delighted that there is a happy ending to this situation, but it should act as a warning to parents to remain vigilant as the warm weather sets in, and to remind children of the dangers associated with playing in water."