ROYAL Marines this week came to the rescue of Calstock residents whose cars had been left stranded by the Christmas night landslide – on the suggestion of a 10-year-old boy.

Around 40 vehicles were marooned beyond the collapse in the road which cut off part of Lower Kelly from the rest of the road network.

Assault Group Royal Marines from Devonport used four landing craft to ferry the vehicles, one by one, down the River Tamar to Cotehele Quay.

With more than 20 cars, a tradesman's van and a tractor safely back on the road on Wednesday, the operation was due to continue yesterday afternoon.

The relieved motorists were offered the chance to sail along with their vehicles, and many took up the opportunity.

None was more delighted than 10-year-old Charlie Southcott, whose mum's car was one of those to be transported.

When the parish council was discussing ideas on how to help villagers affected by the landslip, Charlie pulled out Commodore Graeme Little's business card and suggested giving him a ring. The senior naval officer had met Charlie and his family at a carol service just before Christmas.

The Royal Navy said it was delighted to lend a hand to Calstock.

Commanding Officer of 1 Assault Group Colonel Garth Manger said: 'We train to move vehicles and personnel by landing craft like this. We do this for combat scenarios, for disaster relief and similar humanitarian reasons worldwide. While this was slightly different, it was a fantastic opportunity to do some real training while helping the community.'

The motorists are now able to use the village's car park until the road is repaired, said Cornwall councillor Dorothy Kirk. The new chief executive of Cornwall Council, Andrew Kerr, will visit the village next Friday, by which time it is hoped that a plan of action for repairs to the collapsed road will be finalised, she added.