A FLY-posting campaign by a regional newspaper after the Lelaina Hall tragedy has caused outrage amongst Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea residents.

The Western Daily Press plastered posters warning of the dangers of the beach, featuring a picture of the youngster, around Berrow, where the tragedy happened, and nearby Burnham-on-Sea.

Some residents tore them down and branded the campaign "insensitive".

But newspaper editor Terry Manners said the posters were justified and is now launching a campaign for a £30,000 rescue hovercraft for the spot.

"We were the first to realise there were no danger signs there at all, so people out of the area would not know there was any danger," said Mr Manners.

Mr Manners insisted official signs, which were now being put in place, did not go far enough.

The paper is backed by local celebrities and is lobbying holiday centres to create a new lifeguard facility.

Sedgemoor District Council pulled down the remaining posters, saying they were "unsightly and a danger to drivers".

Lelaina died after becoming trapped in mud flats at low tide on Berrow beach.

One Berrow resident said the posters had caused a great deal of distress to people involved with Lelaina's rescue attempt.

"I've lived a long time in this area and I know a lot of people who are very upset by these posters," said John Coombes.

"They are insensitive and obviously an advertisement for the newspaper. I don't think they are considering anyone's feelings.

"A lot of people who worked really hard to save that little girl have had to walk past these posters and it's very upsetting for them."