Drama unfolded on Tenby’s North Beach last Thursday afternoon when a seven-year-old boy had to be rescued from the top of Goscar Rock.

The youngster, on half-term holiday, was left to cling on to the 50-foot rockface after he had found himself stuck towards the top and could not get back down.

Police and coastguard services were the first on scene shortly after 1.30 pm to aid the boy, but due to his precarious position, the town’s firefighters were alerted, and once on the scene, used their longest ladder to reach the child.

Firefighters Rhys Thomas and Andrew Aston climbed up to the boy and led him down to safety, before handing him over to his mother.

“The boy was clinging on for dear life; he got up the rock, but I think lost his bottle to come back down,” explained Andrew, who started his probation with the fire service two-and-a-half years ago, along with Rhys.

“We had to leave the fire engine at the top of the North Walk and then, myself and Rhys, along with other crew members, watch manager Jeremy Lees, Chris James and Johnny Morris, had to carry the 100 kilo ladder across the beach to Goscar.

Firefighters rescued the child using a 13.5-metre ladder and Level 1 Line Rescue.

“Rhys went up first, but needed an extra pair of hands so I helped to escort the boy down,” added Andrew, with firefighters leaving the incident at 3.20 pm.

A coastguard rescue helicopter also landed on the beach, with medics on board to provide assistance to the boy.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency released the following advice regarding coastal cliffs following the incident.

“The UK’s spectacular coastlines are ideal for exploring, but make sure that you are properly equipped for walking along coastal paths.

“Do not attempt to climb up or down cliffs unless you are properly equipped and trained to do so. Do not attempt to climb cliffs as a short cut back to the top and do not attempt to self-rescue yourself or your dog if you get into difficulty.

“Please enjoy your coastal walk, but make sure you and yours come home again safely. As ever, our message is keep safe, but if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”