Children have refused to play on a beach in South East Cornwall because of the 'overpowering stench'.

The Cole family from Dobwalls went to Hannafore beach in Looe on Friday.

'We decided on Hannafore for both beach, paddling and rock pool fun,' said mum Louise.

'Upon our arrival, the stench was both disgusting and overpowering. Our sons said that despite the sunshine they were not playing on the beach.

'We promptly turned the car around and left.'

Louise said: 'If we as a family are put off from spending quality family time on the beach and look towards going elsewhere, then what will the tourists think? Will they return or be put off completely?'

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: 'We would investigate if we thought there was a problem with sewage pollution but we are not.

'Seaweed can be pretty pongy and there is a risk of people confusing the odours.'

Described as a 'raw sewage' smell by Louise, her complaints come after an £800,000 project to stop sewage discharging on the beach. Cornwall Council, which manages the beach, said it was unaware of any complaints but would follow up the Coles' report.