Sand dunes badly damaged in a fire could take years to recover, experts have said.

Naomi Kay, manager of Solway Coast National Landscape, said the damage caused to an area of Silloth Dunes at the weekend - roughly the size of two football pitches - was “horrifying” and had destroyed wildlife habitats.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said it was still investigating the cause of the blaze but warned people of the risk of barbecues and camping stoves in the countryside.