Coastguards in mid Cornwall have criticised the lack of social distancing they saw while carrying out bank holiday beach patrols yesterday.

St Austell Coastguard said volunteers had conducted 48 hours of safety patrols over the three-day bank holiday weekend, keeping an eye on the local beaches for public safety.

Yesterday's patrols took place on the beaches of Porthpean, Carlyon and Par, as well as their home base of Charlestown Harbour, and what they saw prompted the team to write a warning on social media.

A team spokesperson said: "Although we had no incidents, it's a shame to see so many people not adhering to the social distancing rules.

"Let's hope we don't see an increase of the Covid-19 virus in the next few weeks, putting additional pressures on the NHS."

The coastguards have been working with St Austell Community Fire Station and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, along with their back up teams of Mevagissey Coastguard and Polruan Coastguard.