A search for seven people, including children, reported lost in thick fog off the Norfolk coast has sparked a warning from lifeboat crews.

The plea came after volunteers for the Hunstanton RNLI lifeboat got an emergency call from Humber Coastguard this morning.

A group of seven people - three adults and four children - called the coastguard on at about 11.30am saying they were out on Heacham Beach.

Calling on a mobile phone, they said thick fog had surrounded them and they were lost.

Hunstanton volunteer crew launched the station's hovercraft, and went to search for the group.

As they got there, a report came in that the persons were now safe back on the beach.

After taling to the group and pointing out the risks of going out on to the flats, the hovercraft and crew returned to their station.

A spokesman for Hunstanton RNLI lifeboat said: 'Our sea safety advice to visitors is not to venture out onto the flats or banks, at Heacham or Snettisham.

'However tempting, tides in this area go out over a mile on big ebbs, when the tide turns the tidal currents are very strong.

'Weather conditions can change very quickly you can soon be in trouble.

'Respect the water, stay safe, keep off the banks and within your limits. Enjoy your visit.'