Two groups of people attempting to walk to St Helen's fort at low tide yesterday sparked emergency call-outs.

The shouts - or call-outs - came despite warnings that walkers should not attempt to reach the landmark off the Island's east coast this year.

Bembridge RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat (RNLB Norman Harvey) launched, at 9am on Thursday, to help at least seven people on the shingle walkway.

It only appears on the lowest tides of the year.

The group, which included children, were picked up by a passing RIB and were taken to safety, said the lifeboat team.

Then, at 9pm yesterday, Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams were called to the area following another report that people were trying to complete the walk.

The Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group had urged Islanders not to attempt crossing from Bembridge and St Helens this year.

Although thousands of people have taken part in the past, the Fort Walk is an unoffical event and usually requires a rescue or two.

This year, emergency warned they are already too stretched because of Covid-19.

After its second call-out, Bembridge Coastguard Rescue tweeted: "Please can we again remind people to give the Fort Walk a miss this year."