A blaze saw a storage unit go up in flames and £2,500 worth of vital equipment destroyed.

The shelter, which belongs to the RNLI and was located at Stone Bay Beach near Broadstairs, went up in flames on Wednesday evening.

Boards used by volunteers were destroyed during the fire.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known but, with the warmer weather arriving, the charity is urging people who are using barbeques or having fires at the beach to take extra care.

Regional lifeguard lead for the RNLI, Ed Stevens said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches during the summer months, but please do so safely.

“If you are having a barbecue please don’t bury it or cover it with sand after you’ve finished as it will continue burning and this actually traps the heat in and could cause injury for other beach users.

“The same goes for lighting fires on our beaches.

“Our lifeguards are there to keep you safe and although they have faced a setback, we will still carry out our vital work over the next few days and throughout the summer.”

Although some boards have been damaged beyond use, Thanet District Council, alongside one of the RNLI’s partners ‘Your Leisure’ has allowed the lifeguards to store their rescue boards and vital equipment in a storage container close by.

This will allow the boards, funded by generous donations to the charity, to remain safe and for the RNLI lifeguard service to continue at Stone Bay Beach.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the blaze and has offered the following advice to beach users.

– Only use disposable barbecues in authorised areas and make sure it is cold before putting in a bin

- Supervise burning bonfires and lit barbecues at all times

- Always take rubbish home or use a bin, as rubish such as reflective cans and glass can start fires

- Dispose of smoking materials responsible – do not throw them onto the ground