The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has pleaded with the public to stay away from the coast as it said people are "ignoring" lockdown safety measures.

HM Coastguard reported that it had to deal with 97 incidents on Friday - the highest amount it has recorded since the UK was put into lockdown in late March.

The average for April was 63.

HM Coastguard's duty commander, Matt Leat, urged people to exercise locally, as he warned that frontline rescuers are at risk with every distress call.

He said: "People are ignoring the measures put into place by the Government.

"I completely understand that the weather and the bank holiday, coupled with the fact that we've been in this lockdown situation for just over six weeks, has tempted people out to our beautiful coasts. However, as the Government said only yesterday, it's really vital that we all continue to observe the guidance.

"Every time we get a 999 or distress call, we will always respond but the minute we send in a rescue response, we're putting our frontline responders at risk as well as putting the NHS under avoidable pressure.

"Please, please continue to observe the #StayHomeSaveLives message - it's still in place for a reason. Exercise locally and stretch your legs, not our resources."