Girls in cliff rescue (From Western Telegraph)

Girls in cliff rescue

A brave rescuer who climbed a cliff to go to the aid of an injured girl has been praised by police and coastguard for his actions.

The 11-year-old girl from Saundersfoot was in a distressed state after watching her 12-year-old sister falling 50 feet down the cliff at Coppet Hall. Keith Marshall, who was on the beach with his family, climbed up some 20 to 30 feet to reach the girl where he comforted and calmed her before she could be airlifted to safety.

Mr Marshall, who is in his 20s and from Llandybie, near Ammanford, is now to receive a letter of thanks from Milford Haven Coastguard, who co-ordinated the incident on Sunday afternoon.

Said a spokesman: "This was a traumatic time for the girl, and Mr Marshall's prompt actions not only eased her wait for the helicopter, but may also have prevented a tragedy."

Police have also expressed their thanks, with a spokesman saying that Mr Marshall showed 'considerable bravery'. He added: "It was not an easy climb, and not many people would have risked it."

The incident, which involved police, Tenby coastguard and paramedics, happened after the girls started to climb a cliff on the Wisemans Bridge side of the beach.

After the elder girl fell, injuring her leg, her sister also began to slip on the uneven cliff face before becoming trapped on a ledge.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Chivenor was on a training exercise in the area, and was requested because of its winch facility and size.

Mr Marshall and the 11-year-old girl were winched off the cliff and landed on the beach where paramedics had placed the 12-year-old girl in a spine board. The girls, accompanied by family, were then taken to Withybush Hospital for treatment.