A Thanet beach that was closed for most of today after a Southern Water sewage release has re-opened.

St Mildred's Bay at Westgate was shut off to swimmers after sewage was pumped into the sea following yesterday's heavy rainfall.

A sign was displayed at the beach advising people not to enter the area below the high-water mark, but was removed at 3pm.

The rest of Thanet's beaches remained open to the public.

A statement from the council earlier today said: "Thanet District Council has taken the precautionary measure to advise beach users at St Mildred’s Bay only, not to enter the water due to a very localised impact following a consented release of storm water by Southern Water.

"This followed heavy rainfall yesterday.

"This precautionary advice is expected to be lifted today. No other beaches around the coast are affected."

In July last year nine Thanet beaches were shut after a sewage spill forced a bathing ban.