They act as lookouts scanning the waves for those in peril at sea. Now a coastal safety charity has issued an SOS for new volunteers to assist with its lifesaving work. Happisburgh Coastwatch is appealing for new recruits to help man its station at Cart Gap. The group, which mans the lookout 365 days a year, receives no government funding. The recruitment campaign has been launched by Louise Brooks who joined the group after it helped save her dog Clyde from drowning two years ago.

A lookout spotted Clyde chasing a flock of seagulls into the sea and alerted Happisburgh lifeboat crew. Italian Spinone Clyde is now the station's mascot and been given his own lifejacket.

Mrs Brooks, who is in charge of recruitment, said: 'I have been involved for about 18 months and see it as payback. We are always operating on the cusp of just getting by but ideally need a team of 25. Full training is given and good eyesight is essential along with a degree of common sense and flexibility.

'Most of the time everything is fine, but we need to be there on the day that something happens because if there is nobody watching then that could be a disaster.'

Anyone interested in joining Happisburgh Coastwatch should call Mrs Brooks on 07976 432019 or email recruitment@coastwatchhappisburgh.co.uk