DOGS have been told to stay away from the main part of Weymouth Beach.

From today dog walkers are banned from taking their pets onto the main sandy portion of Weymouth Beach between Greenhill Groyne to the dog exercise area.

The ban will last until September 30.

Dog owners who still want to take their pooches onto Weymouth Beach may still do so all year round between Greenhill Groyne and Overcombe as well as the dog exercise area by the Pavilion.

Additionally, dogs are still allowed all year round on Bowleaze Cove, Chesil Beach (at Abbotsbury to the Tank Teeth Boundary), Church Ope Cove, Portland, and Ringstead Beach.

Dogs are also allowed all year round on tourist hotspots such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Man O' War Beach, and Kimmeridge Bay.

In West Dorset, West Bay will have a ban on dogs from the same dates, May 1 until September 30, although dogs will be allowed in port on a lead during this time.

This only applies to the beach on the east side of the harbour and the west side of the harbour. The beach separated by the large rock groyne has no restriction.

Additionally, in Weymouth, there will be no cycling allowed on the Promenade between 10am and 5.30pm.

This ban will also remain in place until Spetember 30.