Emergency crews have branded a group of thrill-seekers as stupid after they were involved in the tombstoning craze.

Despite the cold conditions, both on land and in the water, the group of teenagers were spotted jumping from the south pier at Cullercoats into rough conditions in the North Sea.

Unfortunately, one got into difficulties and had to be pulled to safety with a lifebelt by the others in his group.

But crew members from Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade have again called for youngsters to show common sense while at the coast and respect the dangers involved in cliff-jumping.

Will Hogg, brigade chairman, said: "It was too dangerous, the sea was horrendous and it wouldn't have taken much to have a serious accident.

"The youngsters got a fright when one of their friends got into difficulties.

"They left and didn't come back."

He admitted that it was hard to stop cliff-jumping as it has always been popular, but called on those who take part to only do it when the tide and sea is right.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the time nothing goes wrong and it's enjoyable for the kids if the seas and tides are right," said Mr Hogg.

"It's only when they don't make the judgement correctly, when the sea is rough, that is when the problem starts."

The brigade had been called to the incident at 1.40pm on Good Friday, after reports that teenagers had been tampering with the lifebuoy safety equipment.

It was only when they arrived that the brigadesmen saw the youths, who were all wearing wetsuits, had been desperately trying to get the lifebelt out so they could help their friend.

Mr Hogg said the incident highlighted the importance of lifebelts along the coast and said he hoped it would remind potential vandals to leave the life-saving equipment alone.

He also thanked the resident who made the initial call, saying it was important for the brigade to be told of dangerous situations.

"A lot of people walk past and don't make the phone call," he said.

"We'd prefer them to make the call and if it's a waste of time then at least we can check everyone is alright."