FURNESS Coastguard responded to a call-out after a whale washed up on a South Walney beach this week.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has issued a warning after a juvenile minke whale washed up on South Walney Nature Reserve.

The trust had advised people 'not to approach the whale' and cordoned the area off.

A spokesman said: "While it is incredibly sad and unfortunate to see one of our ocean giants washed up on the shore, it is important to remember how lucky we are that large whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals live in our Irish Sea.

"Our wardens have roped the area around the whale off and have contacted the UK Cetecean Strandings Investigation programme, who will confirm the identification and may be able to investigate the cause of death."