A warning has been issued after "severe" burn marks were found on a beach where barbecues are banned.

Barbecues are not allowed on beaches in the Arun district – from Ferring all the way to Bognor.

But, last week, the district's beach patrol officer found severe burn marks on a groyne at Felpham Beach, showing that some rule-breakers had lit a barbecue in a banned zone.

The council has now issued a warning and reminder to beachgoers in the area to adhere to the ban.

A council spokesman said: “Not only is this criminal damage, but groynes are also extremely expensive and the people who burnt this groyne have accelerated the deterioration of this coastal protection.”

As an alternative, barbecue areas are provided on green spaces adjacent to the beaches in Littlehampton and Felpham.

The areas have large metal barbecues and fire bins in place for public use.

Across Sussex, rules for whether beachgoers can use barbecues vary.

In Eastbourne, people are reminded to only light barbecues in designated areas.

Barbecues are banned on the beaches between Eastbourne’s pier and the Wish Tower as well as the promenade and grassy areas nearby.

Seaford beachgoers are allowed to have barbecues but are reminded not to light fires directly on stones.

In Brighton and Hove, barbecues on the beaches are not permitted before 6pm.

Single-use barbecues are banned and beachgoers must not barbecue between the West and Palace piers, between Hove Street and Fourth Avenue and on Hove Lawns, the promenade and its surrounding walls.

Brighton and Hove’s environmental enforcement officers have the power to fine beachgoers £100 for using disposable barbecues.

In Hastings, barbecues are allowed at any time but open fires or bonfire-type barbecues are only permitted after 8pm or dusk - if it is earlier.

Residents are encouraged to use the beach between groynes 47 and 51a at Sea Road in St Leonards.

Barbecues on Hastings beaches must be held below high water mark in the designated area.

They must be sited away from any structures such as boats, groynes and beach huts.