FIREFIGHTERS used hoses and beaters to put out a sand dune and scrubland blaze.

About 2,500sqm of the east head of West Wittering beach went up in flames at 3.30pm on Tuesday.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent a fire engine from Chichester and three Land Rover-style fire vehicles from other stations to cross the beach and tackle the blaze.

One Land Rover returned later to dampen down four hot areas. The service ruled out arson, saying the cause was accidental.