Dog walkers could be hit with a £1,000 fine for taking their pet pooch for a stroll along one of Britain's best beaches.
Those caught walking their dog at Morecambe Beach risk the eye watering penalty which comes into force next month.
The Lancashire beach won the prestigious Seaside Award last year after meeting strict criteria related to the safety and quality of its coastline.
One of the rules requires dogs to be banned from the beach during bathing season and to have a "clear dog control policy" in place to discourage rule breakers.
It means dogs are now excluded from Morecambe's south and north beaches from May 1 until September 30 each year to comply with the award, reports Lancs Live.
A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council explained: "Offenders caught breaching these restrictions will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 to be paid within 14 days. This is reduced to £65 if paid within seven days.
"If a Penalty Notice is not paid, Lancaster City Council may prosecute the offender in the Magistrates Court.
"The maximum fine on summary conviction is level 3 on the standard scale, currently £1,000."
The Seaside Award encourages councils and residents to aim for the highest standard of beach management and improve health and safety for beach goers and the environment under the Keep Britain Tidy initiative.
Lancaster City Council said that restricting dogs from the beaches during the summer months will also help to maintain the water quality of the two beaches in its busiest period.
Those caught breaking the rules will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 to be paid within 14 days and could rise up to £1,000 if not paid.
Dog owners are also required to keep their pets on a lead when walking along the promenade and in public spaces such as the gardens and Sunny Slopes.
Offenders can be reported to Dog Wardens via 01524 582935.
Morecambe offers beachgoers a sandy beach mixed with shingle and a promenade at the heart of the seafront.
The prom is lined with arcades, shops and the usual seaside haunts such as fish and chip shops and ice-cream parlours.
Art installations, benches, and thoughtfully designed games and puzzles for children are also scattered along the front.
There is currently no lifeguard cover along the beach, which is mainly sandy, and swimmers are warned not to stray far out into the bay.
