TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards.

One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight.

This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge, but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions."

Around 25 rescue workers battled force eight gales on Tuesday, as rising seas battered the Purbeck coast.

Keeping the rescue helicopter airborne for just one hour costs £4,000, so the cost to the taxpayer for both rescues is likely to be substantial.

The coastguard spokesman added: "After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble."

Coastguards from Swanage and St Albans climbed down the ledge to retrieve the trapped man. Meanwhile, two RNLI lifeboats turned out to light up the cliffs and standby should anyone fall into the rough seas.

The spokesman said: "The weather was so bad the inshore lifeboat had to turn back, only the all-weather boat managed to get there to put light on the situation.

"In these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive."

Both men are from the Winchester area.