Coastguards called to reports of an “unknown object” on the beach near Helford were faced with something a little different this week.

While such call-outs are common for members of Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, the resulting object is often a deflated child’s toy, or occasionally an unexploded ordnance device that has washed up.

However, on this occasion the team were sent to Porth Sawson on something of a wild goose chase.

Describing what was found, a coastguard spokesperson said: “After a quick search of the area, an object was located and found to be safe - and mostly made from wood and barnacles.”

Indeed, the “unknown object” was nothing more than some driftwood, despite the best intentions of the caller.