Members of the public have been told to avoid the water at a Lancashire reservoir after poisonous blue-green algae was found.

The algae - which can be harmful to humans and highly toxic to animals - was found in Slipper Hill Reservoir near Foulridge.

Pendle Borough Council said it was working with the Environment Agency (EA), and though the algae may not be present throughout the whole of the reservoir, regular inspections were being made.

Experience has shown that once algal numbers are high the bloom is likely to persist throughout the season, the authority said.

Posters warning of the dangers are on display and it is expected the warnings will be in place until the cooler weather sets in.

Council leader Asjad Mahmood said they were "warning anyone going near Slipper Hill Reservoir to be aware and cautious".

"The safety of visitors to the reservoir is our number one priority," he said.

"We will work with the Environment Agency over the coming weeks to ensure the reservoir is regularly monitored."

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring organisms found in inland waters, estuaries, and the sea.

When conditions are ideal for growth, an algal bloom can occur, where the water becomes less clear and may look green, blue-green or greenish-brown.

The algae can produce toxins which can kill wild animals, livestock and pets.

They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

The Environment Agency said you cannot tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it so it is safest to assume it is and you should keep pets and children away from the water and avoid skin contact with the water or algae.

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