A volunteer litter picker was left bleeding and in a state of shock after being bitten by an "out of control" dog.

The man in his 80s had been clearing up at Walmer seafront when the black mutt jumped up at him and bit his arm.

The animal had been off its lead at the time, and its owner told the victim it was only trying to "kiss him".

Staff from Walmer Town Council helped the volunteer after his ordeal, including town clerk Richard Styles who gave first aid.

Mr Styles said: "I was concerned for the victim's welfare.

"He was also showing signs of shock and was somewhat incoherent, which is often the case in these incidents.

"The person concerned is frail, elderly and 80-plus in age."

Deputy parish clerk Roland Aldred added: "Details given were that the dog in question had behaved aggressively toward him three times in the last week and he had witnessed it knock another gentleman off his bike earlier in the week.

"The victim stated that the owner spoke to him to tell him the dog was trying to kiss him."

The dog bit the victim on the left arm and caused a small cut, but the injury was softened by him wearing a heavy coat.

He did not need hospital treatment.

The attack was reported to both Kent Police and the Dover District Council dog warden.

Mr Styles added: "The dog was off the lead and out of control.

"Had it attacked a child or had the attack been even more serious, the consequences could have been far worse.

"Walmer seafront is not an empty field, there are often all sorts of pedestrians using the pathways, including young children, cyclists and older less robust persons, so it is not appropriate to allow your dog to run wild."

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called on Tuesday, March 7, and it was reported that a dog had jumped up at a man on the beach.

"A local PCSO has spoken to the man and the dog warden has been made aware."