Lancaster City Council have introduced new restrictions on cockle picking off Morecambe Bay.

The council have acted after more than 60 people were seen trying to get into the Bay from two slipways on the promenade, this just months after 23 Chinese cockle pickers were drowned by the incoming tide.

Under the new rules all cockle pickers will need a permit to cross council-owned land and the number of permits will be limited.

"With the tragedy of last February still fresh in people's minds, local people were horrified to see people accessing cockle beds across deep channels in rubber boats from the promenade, " said council leader Ian Barker.

"In this case the council, as landowner, can take action to regulate cockling.