A GROUP risked their lives for a photoshoot as they posed perilously close to a fragile cliff edge.

The group took it in turns to have their picture taken just feet from the Birling Gap precipice and some even peered over the edge to look at the large drop below.

This follows a warning from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service of possible cliff falls in the area following a period of extreme weather conditions.

The Argus:

A spokesman for the service said: “Did you know that there were three large cliff falls late last summer at Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven and Seaford Head as well as several smaller ones?

“Hot dry weather followed by rain can increase the risk.

“Please enjoy our beautiful coast, just be sensible.”

The risk-takers were photographed at about 3.45pm.

The photographer also captured large cracks in the chalk cliffs.

The Argus:

A spokesman for the National Trust, which owns Birling Gap, said: “The chalk cliffs are constantly changing.

“This creates the beautiful coastline that we see today.

“Cliff falls and erosion are part of this changing landscape.

“Cliff falls and landslides can happen at any time and without warning.

The Argus:

“We advise visitors to act sensibly when visiting the area and to stay away from the cliff edge. We have permanent signs in place warning visitors of the danger.

“It isn’t safe to sit or stand close to the edge of the cliffs, they may be unstable or undercut in places.”