A HOLIDAYMAKER managed to capture a dramatic video of a large rockfall in west Dorset - as authorities urge people to stay away from the cliff edge.

Sheri Probert told how she was walking along the path on top of the cliffs at Thorncombe Beacon when she suddenly she heard a 'thunder-like' noise.

The sound was a section of the cliff breaking away and falling into the sea.

Bournemouth Echo: Cliff fall at Thorncombe Beacon near Eype, pictures: Sheri Probert

Dorset Council has confirmed the coastal path has not been affected but they urge people to stay away from the area.

Mrs Probert, from Ipswich, visited Dorset last week with her husband and stayed in a chalet at Eype.

She said: “I had gone for a walk near the top and heard a thunder-like sound. I thought maybe it was the waves and I took a few steps closer and saw the rocks coming down suddenly.

“It was quite the spectacle, the sea had even gone all bubbly.

“I only popped out for a walk after my husband went out for a bike ride and it really caught me in the moment.”

The fishing clerk said she was shocked when she saw the cliff fall on the morning of March 30. But she managed to capture the moment on video - the dramatic clip can be seen on our website www.bridportnews.co.uk

Dorset Council confirmed that there have been a ‘couple of falls’ like this in the area over the past few weeks but the coast path is ‘not affected’.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “This video serves to illustrate why we remind people to stay away from cliff edges and the base of cliffs, and to pay attention to all local warning signs.

“Our coastline is globally important and famous because it is constantly eroding and while they are more likely to happen after heavy rainfall, rockfalls and landslides can happen at any time.”

Bournemouth Echo: View from the top of East Cliff, West Bay looking west towards Thorncombe Beacon and Golden Cap Picture GRAHAM HUNT

The spokeswoman added that Dorset Council continues to monitor the situation and is currently working with the landowners.

At the end of January, there was large cliff fall further down the coast at Burton Bradstock beach – with some spectacular drone footage captured on camera of the cliff fall.

The beach at Burton Bradstock has seen several cliff falls in recent years including last November.