Wedding party flares spark coastguard call out

(Stock Photo) The coastguard team were assigned to search for the source of the flares on Saturday night

Coloured smoke flares let off by a wedding party near a harbour sparked a coastguard call out.

A member of the public called 999 on Saturday believing the smoke, which was spotted on the south side of Poole Harbour, to be from a vessel in distress.

Swanage Coastguard said its team arrived at the shore in the Goathorn area to find a wedding entourage using the flares for their photos.

The coastguard said: "Whilst they weren't maritime flares, coloured smoke on the shore line could indicate an emergency and the caller did the right thing by calling 999."

The coastguard team discovered the flares had been set off from a wedding celebration

The newlyweds and their guests "apologised sincerely" to the volunteer rescue officers for causing the emergency call out, Swanage Coastguard said.

It added: "If you are considering using smoke for an event like this please contact the coastguard for advice."