Access to the popular sandy beach in Lyme Regis is being restricted while essential harbour dredging and beach replenishment works take place.

It comes during a period of hot weather with the warmest day expected today as temperatures soar even further.

Dorset Council has started annual dredging works in the harbour and is depositing the material on the sand beach. Work started this week and will continue until Friday, June 24.

The beach has been closed completely this week, with plans to re-open the majority of the area from this evening.

From Saturday, all access points to the beach will be open, except from the main ramp next to the groyne between the sand and pebble beaches.

The dredger will also be depositing material on the beach over the weekend but this will not restrict access and there will be no heavy plant operating.

The public are advised to stay well clear of the discharge pipeline as it could start discharging at any point.

From Monday, June 20, heavy plant will be on the beach moving dredge material to the northern corner of the beach so parts of the beach will be closed as the machinery moves around.

Banksmen will be present and barriers will be in place to advise the public of the restricted areas.

All other beaches in Lyme Regis remain open during the works.