A family walk almost turned into disaster when their eight-year-old son became badly stuck in thick mud left exposed at Stithians Lake.

Mum Zoe Hutchens, from Redruth, said she now wanted to warn others to stay away from the mud, after what she described as "a very scary experience."

The water of the reservoir has receded dramatically in recent weeks, following the extended dry weather that has led to a drought being declared in Cornwall and a hosepipe ban beginning on Tuesday.

What has been left is thick mud at the shore of the lake – and it is here that eight-year-old Ollie Hutchens became stuck during a walk on Wednesday afternoon.

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What should hae been a fun family trip out became a nightmare, when Ollie ventured towards the mud in his wellies and found himself unable to move.

When mum Zoe went to help, one of her legs also became badly trapped.

Thankfully she was able to slide it free, and between her and some friends they managed to get Ollie back to safety.

Sharing the "very scary experience", in the hope of warning others, Zoe said: "While we were walking near the lake this afternoon [Wednesday], Ollie got stuck in the mud badly.

Ollie caked in mud after his traumatic experience Picture: Zoe Hutchens

Ollie caked in mud after his traumatic experience Picture: Zoe Hutchens

"I went to go to save him and got one of my legs badly stuck. I managed to free it and we managed to make a path by using large rocks to get to him.

"Thank you so much Hayley Moore for rescuing Ollie, we really appreciate it."

While Ollie was able to get free, sadly the same cannot be said for his wellington boots, which were lost to the mud.

The mud Ollie became stuck in at Stithians Lake Pictures: Zoe Hutchens

The mud Ollie became stuck in at Stithians Lake Pictures: Zoe Hutchens

Zoe added: "It was such a scary and frightening time. It looked like normal mud and there are no signs to warn others.

"Please stay away from the mud near the waters edge!"

She admitted that she was panicking a bit inside, but tried to stay calm in order to keep her son calm too.

Zoe told the Packet that she now wanted to spread as much awareness as possible, to stop it happening to anyone else.