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Two teenage girls who had to be rescued when they got cut off by the tide say they won't ever forget their ordeal.

Ellie-Mae Codd and Lucia Foster, both 13, had been enjoying a day on the beach at Cleethorpes digging in the sand and popping seaweed, thinking they were on a part of the beach that was free of sandbanks.

They were spotted by a Beach Safety officer who was monitoring beach users and rescued by the Cleethorpes RNLI.

The girls - along with Ellie-Mae's gratfeul grandad Brian Willey, have now visited the crew to personally thank them - and Mr Willey, the founder and first president of the Humberston Lions Club, handed over a £1,000 donation from his organisation.

Ellie-Mae believed they were not very far out from the shore and said:"When we walked out it didn't look that far, we kept moving our bags back every time the tide got closer.

"We just got up and didn't know what to do, there was water all around us but it didn't look that deep.

"Then a siren went off and a voice said that help was on its way - then the lifeboat came. We felt grateful.

"My parents reminded us that we can't go out that far again."

(Image: RNLI/Matt McNally)

Although the girls didn't get into serious trouble, Ellie-Mae's mum Lesley said: "I'm just really grateful they they were there that day - we had only recently spoken about going out near to the sea.

"Obviously it's gone in one ear and out of the other!"

Lucia said: "Ellie and I didn't realise we were in trouble until we saw the lifeboat come towards us.

"At first we just turned away, walking to what we thought was going to be the beach but were surprised to see water surrounding us.

"It was a shock at first but then we heard the lifeboat crew shout us back. It was so sudden and quick, we weren't aware of any of the danger we were in.

"I was anxious because I didn't really understand what was going on. Especially after only just noticing the water around us.

"We could see the red lifeboat come closer to us and then two of the crew come out of it, shouting us back to keep us out of danger.

(Image: Submitted photo)

"My parents were obviously quite shocked, I never had experienced anything like this before. The crew were really friendly to them and my parents explained what could have happened if we hadn't been rescued and the RNLI wasn't there.

"A massive thank you to the RNLI crew - if they were't there I can't imagine what could have happened to me and Ellie-Mae.

"It's something I don't ever forget and I hope more people can become more aware of the tide.

"I will always be grateful for their help and being there and coming out to us."

Within 20 minutes of their rescue, the sandbank had been completely covered by the tide.

(Image: Jon Corken/Grimsby Live)

Mr Willey handed over £500 of the £1,000 he had been allocated by the Lions to donate to charities of his choice, after completing 50 years of service.

He had already donated the other £500 to local animal Sanctuary, Pudz.

When Paul Christofferson, the current committee of the Humberston North Sea Lions heard about the rescue and Mr Willey's plan, he decided to double the donation by offering a further donation of £500 on their behalf.

Mr Willey said: “The Lions have had a long association with the RNLI in Cleethorpes, but I never expected to be in the situation where I am so personally grateful to you all.

"Because you were there for them on that day, so they can be with us today.”

Andy Burden, deputy launch authority at Cleethorpes RNLI, said: “We never expect or seek out thanks, reward or recognition for the work we do, but occurrences like today really do boost the morale of all our crew.

"We thank the Lions, and especially Mr Willey, for their continued support and wish them all the best.

"£1,000 is a significant sum which will be a great support to the running costs of our station, so will directly benefit the local community.”

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