The astonishing impact of winter's ravaging winds on Norfolk's glorious beaches has been revealed.

Buffeting and biting easterly blasts have stripped countless tonnes of sand from the county's shoreline.

Bald chalk has been exposed in some places, steps to the beach have been left dangling in mid air. One lifeboat has been unable to launch and two others have faced difficulties when trying to use their ramps.

The persistent pounding, which proved an ill-wind for the early tourist season, has also taken a further grave toll on the crumbling coastal cliffs of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Those most badly affected are calling for action to stop the rot and some are resorting to DIY defensive work.

But the unusual state of affairs has also exposed parts of seafront history normally buried deep beneath the sands, and it could prove a field day for fossil hunters.

And a coastal expert, who said he had seen nothing like it in 30 years, is confident that what Mother Nature has taken away, she will restore in time for summer.

? See today's EDP for the full story and photos