BRIGHTON and Hove seafront continues to empty as repeated reminders from authorities to follow social distancing guidelines sink in.

Drone footage from today showed an almost deserted Brighton promenade this afternoon as sun-lovers resisted a scorching April day at the beach, opting to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus instead.

This has followed warnings from Brighton and Hove City Council, Sussex Police, HM Coastguard and the Government in recent weeks, urging people to only leave the house for one bout of daily exercise or essential trips such as food shopping and picking up medication.

When outside, people are asked to adhere to new social distancing guidelines which ask them to stay at least two metres away from other people.

Those who do not follow this advice risk being fined by patrolling police officers under the new Coronavirus Act.

Yesterday Brighton and Hove Police noted an increasing number of people on the beach and issued a plea to people thinking about visiting the seafront, asking them to think twice.

With today's drone footage showing the city's pebbles almost deserted, this and other announcements from authorities appear to have worked.

Brighton and Hove City Council released a statement this morning telling residents not to meet up with friends, sunbathe on the beach, swim in the sea or have a picnic.

Council leader Nancy Platts said: "I know these messages may sound draconian, but we need to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe.

"It’s hard being inside and not seeing friends and family, particularly at Easter with a sunny weekend in prospect, but our action now will help to save lives. Later in the year we can enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer once again

"Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives."

The promenade was still busy at times, and some people took part in prohibited activities such as paddleboarding and sunbathing on Hove Lawns.

But these individuals were asked to move along by police officers stationed on the seafront.

Shoreham Coastguard have been patrolling with police to encourage people to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

A spokesman said: "Day two of patrolling Brighton and Hove at the request of Sussex Police.

"Lots of people seem to be understanding the regulations currently in place, however there were still a few people that we needed to talk to.

"Thank you to everyone who was polite and understanding to our officers. We’ll be back out on patrol Sunday and Monday in support of the police and helping protect our NHS."