Seafood lovers have been warned to avoid eating shellfish from parts of Argyll and Bute after high levels of E Coli were found.

Raised levels of the bacteria were found in cockles during routine monitoring by the council's environmental health team.

An E Coli infection can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever.

Kilfinichen Bay, Castle Stalker, Kerrera West, Kerrera East, Loch Craignish, Dunstaffnage, Loch na Cille and Loch Riddon are all potentially affected areas.

Health officials warn eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from these locations may pose a risk to human health.

Notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore.