Pictured: The terrifying rescue of two teenagers trapped on a precarious cliff ledge

These pictures show the terrifying moment that two teenagers found themselves trapped on a precarious cliff ledge with the sea crashing just feet below.

The pair, who had been out searching for fossils when they were cut off by the tide, were in danger of being swept off the sheer cliff face after they became stranded.

The boys, believed to be 15 and 16-years-old, decided to call 999 from a mobile phone after being stuck on the ledge for an hour.

Shortly afterwards, a team of coastguards and a lifeboat crew arrived to rescue the terrified pair.

The teens became stranded by the strong waves after being cut off by the tide while they were out searching for fossils

The lifeboat crew arrived to find the boys stuck 100ft down the cliff at Saltwick Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire.

After considering the best and safest way to rescue the boys, coastguard Steven Bunt decided to lower himself down from an RAF Sea King helicopter, before securing the two as well as ensuring they were wearing lifejackets. 

The rescue team ruled out attempting to rescue the pair by boat as the swell breaking at the base of the cliff was too dangerous.

The terrified teenagers are winched into the helicopter and out of danger

After their rescue, the teenagers were taken to nearby Scarborough District Hospital for a check-up.

Colin Massy, a pilot from RAF Boulmer said: 'The boys were cold, wet and a bit  shaken up but not hypothermic. They were very fortunate as the situation was very precarious.'