Police are cracking down on anti-social behaviour at a Weymouth landmark.

Officers were called to Sandsfoot Castle after reports of noise at the beauty spot.

The action on Thursday evening came during Dorset Police's anti-social behaviour (ASB) awareness week across Dorset, during which police discovered an abandoned bonfire and a vandalised life buoy.

Groups of people gathered at the Weymouth castle - which overlooks Weymouth Bay - were spoken to by police officers, who consider the site to be an ASB 'hotspot'.

A spokesman said: "Officers have been on patrol in various ASB hotspots this evening.

"During this time they responded to a report of noise at Sandsfoot Castle. There were no issues to report on arrival.Various groups of people were spoken to and given words of advice to make sure noise is kept to a minimum. We will continue our patrols of ASB hotspots during ASB awareness week and beyond."

Also on patrol the same evening was the Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing team dealing with anti-social behaviour around the Weymouth and Portland area.

They issued a man with a dispersal notice to leave Weymouth town centre.

"Various groups of youths have been spoken to regarding their behaviour and this will be followed up with parents and our partner agencies.

"A man has been issued a section 35 dispersal notice to leave the town centre for a period of 15 hours. Due to this person's ongoing issues, we will be liaising with local services to offer help and support."

On patrols in Wimborne neighbourhood officers came across 'a life buoy ring being used as a hula hoop.'

Elsewhere, in Gillingham, north Dorset, officers on ASB patrols found the remains of a small bonfire which was already out.

They reported: "Thankfully the bonfire had not spread. This is under investigation. Please do not have fires and BBQs in public open spaces."

Officers also visited Sturminster Newton to speak to young people who voiced their concerns about vandalism.

In Purbeck, Dorset Police visited a youth club in Wool to meet with staff and youths before they closed for the summer break.

It was reported: "It was fantastic to speak with the local youths and encourage them to engage with police if they need any support throughout their time off school. They have also been spoken to about what anti-social behaviour is and the impact it can have on members of the community."

Dorset Police says the focus of ASB Awareness Week was the impact of anti-social behaviour on young people.

A spokesman said: "A group of young people spending time together in a public place isn’t automatically anti-social behaviour. Young people can be the victims of ASB, too. If a group – of any age – is misusing a public space, this could lead to criminal behaviour and that’s when you should get the police involved.

"This might be things like violent or lewd behaviour, intimidating others, or lots of noise. If you see someone behaving in an anti-social way, please report it to the police www.dorset.police.uk/contact"