HOYLAKE lifeboat volunteers helped rescue two huskies that had been found alone on Formby beach.

For their first call out of the new year Hoylake RNLI were called to assist HM Coastguard officers in Crosby at around 11.30am on Wednesday, January 2 to rescue the dogs that had been missing since New Year's Day.

The dogs had spent the night stranded on the beach where temperatures had reached below freezing.

By the power of social media, the owners were found and made their way to the scene.

One of the dogs was distressed and was protecting its four-legged friend who had difficulty standing.

The uninjured husky was then taken ashore while the other was brought on board the Hoylake RNLI hovercraft and transferred ashore to Albert Road in Formby.

RNLI volunteer hovercraft commander Matt Schanck said: "The dogs had been out on the beach overnight in very cold temperatures.

"One had been injured and the other was understandably distressed.

"Through working closely with our Coastguard and Southport Lifeboat colleagues, we were able to reunite the owners with their pets and help bring them all ashore safely. All of the team at Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station hope the dogs have a speedy recovery.

"When walking dogs by the coast, it's important to keep both your pets and yourself safe. We advise dog-walkers to keep pets on a lead in potentially dangerous areas.

"If you have any concerns about your dog’s or your own safety, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."