A Taunton woman is calling for improved safety measures at a Somerset beach which claimed the life of a young girl.

Five-year-old Lelaina Hall died after becoming trapped in mud at Berrow beach, and pressure is mounting for warning signs to be installed at the beach.

The move is being supported by Lin Hill, of Eastwick Avenue, Taunton, who had a lucky escape after getting sucked into soft sand at the adjoining beach in Burnham earlier in June.

Mrs Hill said she was terrified that while strolling on the beach, the soft sand suddenly gave way, and she sunk up to her knees.

"As I tried to get my leg out of the mud, the other leg went in up to my other knee. I could feel the suction of the mud and started to panic. My husband tried to help me, but he too was being sucked into the mud. We eventually managed to help each other out, but I lost my sandals as they were sucked off my feet.

"We were only at the edge of the beach by the steps, not anywhere near the water. I was badly shaken, as was my husband, and I hurt my back, such was the panic to get out of the mud.

"Surely it must be said that this coastline is not at all safe, even on the beach. Something should be done to ensure that another tragedy doesn't occur where somebody else may lose their life.

"Our thoughts are with the family of little Lelaina, who should not have died so terribly."

Sedgemoor District Council is now looking to install warning signs on the stretch of beach as a matter of urgency.