Walkers and owners of dogs are being warned to be vigilant after a reported case of Lyme disease.

The case was reported in the area of the National Trust's Lewesdon Hill, after a mother that was visiting the area with her family, noticed a tick on her son when they arrived home and removed it.

The son has since received the diagnosis of Lyme Disease.

The mother, who wish to remained unnamed, told the Bridport News that she hoped that future cases are prevented.

Jo Atkins, marketing and communications consultant for the National Trust, South West Region, said: "We take all risks at the places we care for seriously, including Lyme disease.

"Each of our places assesses the risks which are present.

"The staff members at our places develop bespoke approaches to managing those risks for staff, volunteers and visitors.

"We'd always encourage anyone who has been bitten by a tick after visiting one of our places and/or had a diagnosis of Lyme disease to contact the place they visited directly.

"This will enable us to look into the situation further."

Lyme Disease UK as a charity aim to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the disease.

Lyme disease is caused by a corkscrew shaped bacteria called Borrelia, and can be transmitted via a tick bite.

Ticks can carry other infections such as Anaplasma and Babesia.

Ticks themselves can be as small as a poppy seed.

There has been evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes, sand flies, fleas and horseflies.

Infected ticks can be found all over the UK, in woodland and parkland, urban parks and gardens.

Wearing insect repellent and avoiding walking through long grass are two ways to avoid tick bites.

Should you find a tick, you should never pull it off with your fingers, normal tweezers or any other tool not designed for the job.

They should be carefully removed with a tick remover or a pair of very fine tipped tweezers, ensuring all parts of the tick are removed.

Many people don't get the classic 'bull's-eye' rash, but if you do, treatment should start as soon as possible.

A spokesman for Lyme Disease UK said: "Lyme Disease UK is a support organisation founded by Lyme disease patients and run by volunteers. "We are healthcare advocates campaigning for increased knowledge and awareness of Lyme disease and the associated factors.

"Our website lymediseaseuk.com and we have an online support group."

To find out more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ticks-and-lyme-disease

For more information about Lyme Disease UK, visit lymediseaseuk.com