THREE children trapped in a cave by the advancing tide had a lucky escape after being rescued by the emergency services this afternoon.

The youngsters - a boy, 12, and two girls aged 11 and 12 - had been playing in a cave near the 'eye cave' on Dunbar's coastline for about two hours before realising they had become trapped by the tide.

After their shouts for help went unheard, one of the trio dialled 999 and Dunbar Coastguard, North Berwick Coastguard and Dunbar RNLI were tasked by UK Coastguard to rescue them.

An air ambulance was also scrambled from Perth but was stood down en route.

A post on Dunbar Coastguard's Facebook page said: "Two members of the ILB [inshore lifeboat] RNLI crew stabilised the casualties while Dunbar Coastguard stood by in water rescue equipment.

"The casualties were extricated by the ILB and transported to Dunbar Harbour where they were met by a land ambulance crew.

"Two of the casualties were initially mildly hypothermic but, after being warmed up in the lifeboat station, were released into the care of their parents.

"The Coastguard would like to encourage everyone to enjoy our coastline safely. So, make sure that you check weather and tides before you set out, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and make sure you have a charged mobile phone with you.

"Without one of the casualties having a mobile phone, today’s callout could have been very different."