PLANTS believed to be the highly poisonous Water Hemlock Dropwort - also known as Dead Man's Fingers - have been found on the beach at Allonby.

Beach-cleaning volunteers from the Fix the Firth group found the roots on the beach between the northern car park and Dubmill Point yesterday, between 10am and midday.

The group said that most of the roots were attached to sandy soil brought to beach level by erosion of the dunes, but some roots are loose on the beach.

After weathering, the roots become brown in colour and less easy to identify.

The Environment Agency has previously advised members of the public who make findings of this nature to report them to the local council.

They can be particulary dangerous when found by dogs or children.

John Gorrill, organiser of the group, said: "We've found these plants before at Grune Point near Silloth but not at Allonby, which will be a holiday beach at Easter.

"We often deal with hazards such as syringes, fish hooks and glass but this is a new one for us."

The result of the two-hour beach clean by ten volunteers (and two dogs) was 19 bags of rubbish, three plastic barrels, two tyres and a large speaker cabinet.

READ MORE: What is a Hemlock Water Dropwort or Dead Man’s Finger plant? Questions answered