CHINESE lanterns are believed to have been mistaken for calls of distress in Charmouth.

CHINESE lanterns are believed to have been mistaken for calls of distress in Charmouth.

Lyme Regis Coastguards and the Rescue Helicopter from Portland were called out to the area on Sunday, December 27, after the public reported sighting a red distress flare.

A search was carried out at around 5.20pm, but nothing was found. Further investigations found lanterns had been set off in the area.