PENARTH pier is closed today as waves crash over the boardwalk because of high winds.

Access to the pier was closed to the public today during the stormy weather, expected to continue to the end of Christmas week.

Despite the gates to the boardwalk being locked, Penarth Pier Pavilion remained open to the public.

Penarth Pier Pavilion fundraising and sponsorship manager Alice Turner said: "The gates haven't been open at all.

"There are a lot of high winds and a lot of water coming up over the pier."

She added that the Pavilion building itself was not being affected whatsoever by the winds and water.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency issued safety advice for keeping safe during the strong winds and rain.

He said: "As the Met Office has warned of strong winds and heavy rain, HM Coastguard is urging people to take extra care.

"Conditions on the sea and along the coast are likely to be extremely treacherous.

"HM Coastguard’s advice is simple: don’t take risks. But if you do get into difficulty, or spot someone who might be in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."