MOTORISTS were close to being stranded as the tide rose up around their cars on a Northumberland causeway.

The railway crossing at the small village of Beal jammed at 12.20pm yesterday, leaving vehicles backed up on the mainland side near Holy Island.

To ensure the drivers’ safety, the Inshore Lifeboat was launched and a RAF helicopter from Boulmer was launched to help out. But 10 minutes after the rescue operation was launched, the crossing reopened, and drivers were able to continue their journeys.