Three boys in Runcorn and Widnes sandbank tide rescue
Three boys, who became stranded by rising tides on sandbanks between Runcorn and Widnes, have been recovered by fire crews using a rescue boat.
The 14-year-olds were picked up by firefighters after a passer-by called the Liverpool Coastguard at 1652 BST on Monday.
A helicopter from RAF Valley in Anglesey was put on standby but was not required.
The boys were described as cold but unharmed.
The operation followed the rescue of 93 people trapped by the tides across the north-west coast on Sunday.
Liverpool Coastguard watch manager Paul Parkes said: "With the onset of the flood tide fast approaching and the three children stranded on the sandbank, if it weren't for the quick response of the fire service this incident could have had a very different ending.
"With the extended Easter school holidays, we would urge parents to be mindful of the whereabouts of their children at all times and to warn them of the dangers of being cut off by the tide."