YOUTHS were seen lighting a fire which razed a large area of the sand dunes at Winterton-on-Sea on Friday.The flames covered one hectare of grass at the site near the Winterton Valley Holiday Park, which witnesses first noticed at about 5pm.

YOUTHS were seen lighting a fire which razed a large area of the sand dunes at Winterton-on-Sea on Friday.

The flames covered one hectare of grass at the site near the Winterton Valley Holiday Park, which witnesses first noticed at about 5pm.

Three fire crews were called out to the blaze and remain at the seen until just after 7pm to make sure it was safe.

A spokesman from the fire service said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately after witnesses reported seeing youngsters start it.

Helen Finch, a holiday maker visiting from Essex, said the smoke turned the sky around nearby holiday homes grey.