The RNLI has warned people to "stay safe and stay away" from Blackpool Promenade as the resort is hit by Storm Ashley. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for high winds gusting up to 70mph (113km/h) in Blackpool until about midnight.

The Met Office issued a rare "danger to life" warning yesterday in relation to Storm Ashley's destructive winds that could lead to large coastal waves and loose beach material that pose a risk to huma

Injuries and danger to life are likely during the 80mph winds set to hit parts of the UK this weekend in the first named storm of the season, the Met Office has said.