A FAMILY have poked fun at Weymouth for having too many warning signs.

The Messages, from Sussex, were so fed up of seeing restrictive signs on the Esplanade they made a cheeky film for the web.

During the two-minute movie women pretend to cycle in a no cycling area, play football near a 'no ball games' sign and feign drinking in a no drinking zone.

They even dance on boulders at Greenhill near a 'danger - please keep off the rocks' sign.

The film was created by IT consultant Guy Message, 39, and stars wife Anita, 41, and their three children Katie, 14, Lauren, 13 and Ellie, 10.

Mr Message said: "We come from Eastbourne, which is full of old people, but we are not restricted on the seafront and have lanes for cycling and skating.

"We were quite shocked by the excessive number of signs in Weymouth and thought it would be fun to make a light-hearted video.

"I should stress though that we love Dorset and holiday here several times a year."

He added: "As a result of the video going on YouTube someone emailed us a list of Weymouth's bylaws. It's incredible - there's absolutely loads of them."

But town leaders deny Weymouth is no fun.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council mayor David Harris said: "We have to be careful with what any one person is saying.

"In terms of the notices - they are ones which we have been asked to put up in order to help ensure people can go about their business safely.

"It's a pity we have to have so many notices but unfortunately society requires it of us.

"Most of them are giving very good advice on how people can enjoy themselves safely.

"Ball games, for example, are dangerous to the land train and people walking.

"We have a number of old people coming to Weymouth.

"Ball games can be played on the beach anyway."

Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism president Andy Cooke said: "I don't think the video will harm Weymouth's reputation. It's a bit of a joke really.

"You could make a video in any town in Britain and say the same thing.

"I don't think it will have an effect on tourism - although some of the shots show Weymouth to be very nice.

"From what I can see just about every scene could be shot in any town.

"It's a sign of the times, I suppose."