The annual dog ban for beaches across the Vale of Glamorgan is now in place.

The ban, which started on May 1 and goes on until Until October 1 means dogs are not permitted to be walked on the following beaches; Barry Island, Penarth, Cold Knap, Southerndown and Llantwit Major.

Anyone found walking a dog on these beaches during the ban could face a £500 fine.

A council spokesman said: "The bye-law has been in operation since 2001 and exists primarily to protect the interests of bathers during the summer season.

"It is aimed at ensuring the safety and pleasure of the majority who would wish to use the beach for sunbathing and swimming or similar seaside leisure activities.

"The ban will be in force until September 30. As from October 1 dogs are once more welcome on the beaches.

"It is an offence to allow your dog on these beaches and contradiction of this bye-law could earn you a £500 fine.

"If you are caught not cleaning up after your dog anywhere in the Vale, you can be issued with a £75 fixed penalty notice which, if not paid, could result in a fine of £1,000 being levied by the magistrates Court."

During the ban guide dogs are still permitted on beaches, if accompanying a registered blind person.

Beaches that allow dogs on them during the summer months are; Fontygary Bay (Rhoose), Lavernock Point (near Penarth), Nash Point (Marcross), Ogmore-by-Sea, Porthkerry, St Mary’s Well Bay (Sully), Sully, Summerhouse Point, The Leys (Aberthaw) and Penarth Beach (To the right of the slipway by the lifeboat station).