EMERGENCY workers including firefighters and the RNLI have carried out a successful rescue to save dolphins stranded in mud at the side of the Thanes close to Stanford-le-Hope.

Two dolphins were spotted in the mud at Essex Wildlife Trust Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Mucking Wharf Road earlier this afternoon.

Firefighters and rescuers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue are on scene.

A spokesman for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue said: "We were called at midday today by the Essex Wildlife Trust with reports of two harbour porpoises in the mud.

"We had another call from the Port of London Authority about dolphins, we've got volunteer medics on scene.

"We've also called the RNLI to help, as long as the dolphin are well we can take them to deeper waters."

This evening Essex Fire and Rescue issued the following statement: " Crews worked with the Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to use a hovercraft, which allowed them to reach the dolphins more efficiently.

"Firefighters managed to release the dolphins and help them back out to see by 5.45pm. Both animals were unharmed."

The service's Water Incident Manager Al Green said at the scene: "It's not every day that you come across dolphins in Essex... so we wanted to do everything we could to help them on their way safely.

"Firefighters have gone above and beyond with partners from the Coastguard and the RNLI to do just that this afternoon, despite difficult access and challenging conditions.

"With the tide not expected to come in until several hours after the dolphins became stuck, we knew how important it was that we came to their aid. Thankfully both animals are okay and back in the open water."