Surfers in Cornwall defy police warnings to stay indoors for coronavirus lockdown

Surfers have been going to beaches in the South West - against advice from the police and rescue agencies.

ITV West Country filmed more than fifty surfers at Fistral Beach in Newquay at the weekend (25 April).

Some said they had walked to the beach, and did not think they were putting themselves or anyone else at risk.

Surfers have been going to beaches in the south west - against advice from the police and rescue agencies.

Russell Winter, who lives in Newquay and is the only British surfer to compete on the world surfing tour, told ITV News it is vital he carries on surfing.

Normally during the Easter break there are lifeguards on major beaches in the South West but the RNLI has withdrawn the service until further notice.

The RNLI has withdrawn the service until further notice.

The surfers we spoke to had all walked to the beach, but there is concern that a number are driving to surf spots.

The surfers say the advice on driving is confusing as the National Police Chiefs Council and the CPS say it's ok to drive to exercise as long as your exercise is longer than your journey.

Geoff Brown who represents Newquay on Cornwall Council says the council is calling on the Government for clearer guidelines.

But personally Mr Brown says people shouldn't be going surfing during the lockdown.