Dogs could be allowed on a Porthleven beach for up to two months longer a year if changes to the current rules are brought into force.

The town council has agreed to ask for a change in the current law that bans dogs from West Sands between 7am and 7pm, from Easter Sunday until October 31.

Instead they would like to see the rules relaxed slightly, to allow owners to take their pets on the beach up until May 1 and again after September 30.

Between these times the hours when dogs are not permitted would be reduced, to 8am until 7pm.

The suggestion was made by deputy mayor Andrew Wallis, in light of feedback the council had received from dog owners in the port.

He said: "Easter moves. May 1 is the May Bank Holiday and then you have Whitsun, and the suggestion is to move it forward to September 30. That still covers the summer period."

Changes to the government legislation mean that Cornwall Council is currently consulting on whether to maintain the status quo when "public space protection orders" are brought in, instead of the existing "dog control orders."

It gives town and parish councils the chance to ask for alterations to the rules relating to their local beaches, as well as the general public to make a case for change.

Councillor Dick Powell questioned whether, even with the rules in place, it would make a difference unless enforced.

But Mr Wallis said that anyone using the beach who saw a dog on there outside of the permitted times, or fouling the beach, could take a photograph and contact Cornwall Council, which would prosecute.

A prosecution had already taken place at Penrose Woods, where an owner was refusing to pick up after their dog.