People have been warned not to risk their life for a "foolish selfie" as Cornwall prepares to be hit by strong winds and heavy rain over the next two days.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind on Wednesday and Thursday as the remnants of Storm Kyle approached - with this band of wind and rain later named Storm Ellen.

The agency subsequently extended the weather warning to Friday also. 

It has prompted the local coastguard team to urge people to stay safe.

Natalie Williams, a Porthleven coastguard and coastal safety officer for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "The weather warning comes into place in the south west at 8pm on Wednesday night, and is expected to reach its peak throughout the night, and persist throughout Thursday, when people are likely to see the worst of the winds.

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"It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

"Do not risk your life for that foolish selfie, stay away from high risk areas and do not take the power of the sea for granted."

She went on to quote the Met Office, which has warned of "unseasonably" strong winds.

Ms Williams added: "The Met Office said the influence of this system is going to be felt across the region.

"They said it's going to feel unseasonably windy with this system coming through, and that is obviously going to present additional risk and impact for people out looking to make the most of the region for water sports, outdoor leisure, for camping."

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She urged people not to risk the lives of the emergency services and to respect the water, but stressed that anyone who saw someone at risk near the coast or sea should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Met Office has warned that strong winds are expected to cause some disruption to travel and power supplies on Thursday.

The agency added: "Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

"Some damage to trees with debris on roads are possible given the time of year."

The weather warning is in place for the entire west side of the UK, including Cornwall.