COASTGUARD crews have warned motorists that driving on the beach is illegal and could lead to prosecution after a vehicle was rescued from the sands.

Furness Coastguard has issued a warning to motorists about the dangers of driving on the beach after they were called out to a rescue.

Crews were called out on Sunday afternoon after a driver of a 4x4 became stuck in sands of the coast of Roosebeck.

The driver became stuck in a channel of a water before the vehicle was towed away. According to Furness Coastguard, the driver contacted another 4x4 owner for help.

A spokesman for Furness Coastguard said: "Furness Coastguard were paged on Sunday afternoon at 2.07pm to reports of a vehicle and their occupant stuck in a channel off the coast of Roosebeck.

"Once on scene it became apparent that the owner was able to exit the vehicle and assisted in contacting some local 4x4 owners.

"The team stood by for safety cover due to the fast incoming tide, and fortunately a local 4x4 owner pulled the vehicle out causing no pollution or damage.

"If in any danger around the coast, dial #999 and ask for the Coastguard."

However, the coastguard are reminding people that driving on the beach is both illegal and poses a pollution risk to the environment.

A spokesman said: "Furness Coastguard would like to remind people that in some cases, driving on the beach is illegal and could lead to prosecution, as well as a pollution risk from the fuel and oil in the vehicle engine and fuel tank."

Crews also warned the public that recovery of the vehicle is the drivers' responsibility. "The Coastguard will rescue people and animals from vehicles stuck in the sand, however recovery of the vehicle will be the drivers responsibility," a spokesman said.

"It is also unlikely that damage to the vehicle will be covered by the insurance company."