Beachgoers who pick up a pebble or a shell have been warned they could be fined £1,000.

Bosses at Cumberland Council in Cumbria are urging people to leave beach pebbles or sea shells where they are.

They say the Coast Protection Act states it is not legal to remove any natural materials such as sand, shells and pebbles from the beach – no matter how small the amount.

They say the law is designed to protect the natural environment. It can be enforced by the council.

Cumberland Council says it is dedicated to protecting its local environment and says leaving pebbles and shells on the beach “contributes to climate efforts”.

Cumberland Councillor Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “I understand people’s reluctance to follow this guidance, as I have been a collector of shells myself.

“But taking a pebble or a shell from a beach, can in fact damage the environment.

“Pebbles and other natural matter act as a natural sea defence against coastal erosion, natural flood defences and wildlife habitats which many experts warn has become even more of an issue due to climate change.

“We are asking people to leave the pebbles, shells and sand as we all want to ensure that our beaches remain vibrant and intact for future generations.”