THIS week I was out running alone on the beach by the West Kirby sailing club, going down the slipway and turning right, skirting around the Marine Lake wall.

It was wet and windy on the wall and the sand below seemed more sheltered.

In retrospect this was a big mistake.

The sand looked dry and I did not realise the Marine Lake sluice was just ahead until suddenly I sank into very deep mud.

I somehow managed to get out and onto the rocks, losing only my shoes and socks.

After speaking since then with the senior ranger, he advised that the mud that people can usually see was probably covered with a layer of sand by the very high winds.

He said he would look into asking that a new warning sign being put up to alert people to the danger of the deep sinking mud.

I would like to warn everyone as the weather improves to be really careful on the beach, even in areas that you think you know, and to always think about either going with someone else or at least telling people where you are going.

Name and address supplied.