A MAJOR call-out to rescue four people believed to be trapped on a sandbank in the River Severn at Newnham on Sunday afternoon ended happily when the family walked to safety.

Two boats and one hovercraft plus supporting crews were mobilised from Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Newent and Lydney. The Severn Area Rescue Association was also alerted by the Coastguard Service.

However at around 3pm Gloucestershire Police were informed by passers-by that the family were out of danger and had managed to walk to safety across the sandbanks to Arlinghham. Rescue services were stood down.