RNLI volunteers have rescued three boys cut off on the notorious Birnbeck Island in the Bristol Channel.

They had gone onto the island – connected to the mainland by a derelict pier – by walking across a shingle bank that is exposed at low tide.

The tide comes in ferociously and the shingle bank is quickly covered – leaving the victims on the island cut off and trapped.

RNLI crews from Weston super Mare were alerted to the incident at 2pm on Friday when the three boys were spotted on the island.

The RNLI said it was two hours after low water so the tide was rising quickly.

The boys were rescued and transported to the lifeboat station at Knightstone where they received some “strong safety advice” from the Coastguard.

Liam McDermott, Weston RNLI Helmsman, said: “These lads were local and should have known better. The tides round here come up more quickly than one can run.

“We are often having to rescue those who are caught out. By all means enjoy the sea but always be aware of what the tide is doing. If you think you are in trouble ring 999 for the Coastguard.”

The derelict and deserted Birnbeck Island sticks out into the Bristol Channel at the north of Weston Bay.

Once a world beating entertainment hub and also the home for Weston RNLI lifeboat for many years, it has now sunk into disrepair.

The pier connecting it to the mainland is so dangerous even lifeboat crews are not allowed to use it.