Works to two west Dorset harbours are finally complete.

The annual dredging works at West Bay and Lyme Regis have come to an end.

Every year, the works are undertaken to remove sediment which has accumulated in the navigational channels, which is then used to build up the local beaches.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Pending some final checks, we're pleased to announce we've finished our annual dredging works at West Bay Harbour and Lyme Regis Harbour.

“All equipment should be finally demobilised ahead of next week's Easter break.

“Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work, and to the residents and businesses at West Bay and Lyme Regis for their patience and understanding.”

When appropriate, beaches will be fenced off during dredging for safety due to the machinery being used.

The colour of the dredged sand is often darker in colour due to the lack of exposure to oxygen on the seabed.

Once exposed to the air it returns to the normal colour we are used to

But to make sure the beauty of the beaches isn’t affected this dredged sand is placed beneath a layer of the sand that is already there.