THE city council has urged people to stay close to shore as "dangerous" offshore winds hit the coast.

Brighton and Hove City Council has urged paddleboarders and kayakers to wear a lifejacket today if they venture into the water.

Writing on Twitter, the authority warned residents "to be careful" and to call the coastguard in the case of an emergency.

It said: "Seafront weather warning.

"There are dangerous offshore winds this weekend, so please be careful!

"If you're using a paddleboard or kayak please wear a lifejacket and stay close to the shore.

"If you see anyone in distress, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

According to the Met Office, gusts of wind of up to 25mph are set to hit the seafront today.

It follows a warning from the council that people caught leaving rubbish on the beach will be fined £150 on the spot, after a week of sunny weather.