EXPERTS are warning of the dangers of washed up palm oil to children and animals.

Congealed blocks the size of boulders have washed up on to beaches along the Sussex coast over the last few days.

The deposits, which look like candle wax and can smell rotten, have been found along Brighton and Hove's beaches as well Rottingdean, Lancing and Shoreham beaches.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council advised dog walkers to take care as pets can become very ill if the palm oil is eaten.

He said: "We're asking dog owners and dog walkers to keep a close eye on their dogs on local beaches.

"Small amounts of suspected solidified palm oil have washed up on local beaches in Brighton and Hove. The palm oil deposits are white lumps that look a bit like candle wax and can smell rotten.

"Dogs will often eat it if given the chance but this can make them very ill.

"Our seafront and cleansing teams are working together to spot and dispose of the palm oil and have put up temporary signs alerting dog walkers to the possible danger.

"Much larger amounts of suspected palm oil have washed up recently on Rottingdean, Lancing and Shoreham beaches."

The palm oil is a natural, edible vegetable which can be used in food processing but can become a problem when released legally by ships at sea.

Whilst on the ships, and whilst in the sea, palm oil can become contaminated with other waste products and because its edible it can be attractive to some animals who can become ill after coming into contact with it.

Experts have warned that if you come into contact with the substance it should be washed off immediately with soap or shower gel.