Amazing aerial shots show how a large crack has appeared in the cliffs at Beachy Head
Stunning pictures reveal huge crack in the chalk cliffs
STUNNING aerial shots of Beachy Head have revealed a huge crack in the cliff face.
The images have prompted warnings to walkers as experts warn the cracks can stretch back up to 49 feet into the chalk.
Eddie Mitchell tweeted a photograph of the crack and wrote: "Huge crack at Beachy Head Cliff cliff walkers oblivious to it."
Eastbourne Borough Council are now urging people to keep away from the cliff edge and face for their own safety.
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A spokesman for the council said: "Being the gateway to the South Downs National Park we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, but as with all natural or wild environments it is important to take care.
"Members of the public should always stay a safe distance away from the cliff edge at Beachy Head and away from the cliff face when walking and relaxing on the beach beneath.
"The cliff edge is prone to erosion and fissures in the chalk, such as the one pictured, are very common."
Large cracks also appeared this year at Seaford Head, also in East Sussex, and Newhaven Coastguard warned the cliff could give way at any time and thousands of tonnes of chalk could fall.
It comes as nearly 1,000 walkers took advantage of a rare low tide to see a famous lighthouse at the site.
The crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of Beachy Head Lighthouse after finishing a challenging walk to get to it.
The lighthouse is rarely accessible to walkers because the tide is usually in but around 900 braved the tough trek.
They were able to walk around the base of the lighthouse thanks to the current low spring tide.
But getting to the lighthouse is difficult as walkers must make sure they time their journey so the tide doesn't come back in.
The event started in 2011 after it was announced the owner, Trinity House, would not repaint it and allow it to slowly fade to its original grey colour.
A national fundraising campaign was raised £45,000, and walkers now continue to raise cash to fund repainting and local charities.
This year's walk is expected to have raised more than the £3,000 raised last year.
Organiser Rotarian Martin Wellings said: "It was an amazing afternoon.
"There was no doubt that people were enjoying themselves, and it was quite a challenge getting everyone there and back by the time the tide was due to come back in.
"It is quite staggering to think how this walk has developed over the four years."
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