THRILL-SEEKERS in west Dorset have been urged to "use some common sense" after people were pictured battling stormy conditions on The Cobb in Lyme Regis.

Storm Frank battered the West Dorset coast last week - sending huge waves crashing into the coast at Lyme Regis and West Bay.

Grahame Forshaw, Lyme Regis harbour master said he is "astonished how stupid people can be" by putting themselves in danger.

He said: "It is incredibly dangerous and I just wish people would use some common sense.

"People are incredibly foolish to go on the wall and along the bottom when the conditions are so extreme and we are at high tide.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

"I am often astonished how stupid people can be, despite our warnings.

People should simply stay away when the weather is like that. I appreciate people should be responsible for their own actions, but you get a much better view from the top of hill looking down on The Cobb than standing on The Cobb looking out at the waves."

Mr Forshaw also urged people to think about how their actions may put others in danger if the RNLI or Coastguard is called out to rescue anyone.

He added: "I think a lot of locals understand the dangers, but holidaymakers maybe don't appreciate how it can be like.

"If we have to send out people to rescue anyone who has put themselves in that position, then it puts other people in danger.

"I have even seen people with pushchairs up on top during bad conditions."

The Environment Agency also issued a flood warning for Lyme Regis Harbour during the storm.

Photographer James Loveridge also snapped two people climbing in West Bay above an area of the cliff which fell last week.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The Coastguard advised people to stay away from cliffs.

A spokesperson said: “We would urge members of the public, especially in this weather, to stay away from the cliffs because there could be more falls due to the amount of rain we have had and the cliffs may be unstable.

“We understand people might want to go there to see the cliffs, but they should do it from a safe distance and to do it safely.

“Members of the public should stay well away from the top and base of the cliffs and follow the National Trust guidance on signs around the coast."