Youngsters have been risking their lives by climbing on to Brighton's West Pier.

People have watched in horror as youths clambered on to the derelict structure.

They are getting over barbed wire and ignoring danger notices before setting foot on the pier, parts of which are near collapse.

Their risky antics have mainly taken place on Friday and Saturday nights when people have been drinking.

Rachel Clark, general manager of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said the problem worsens in the summer.

She said: "It is a fair weather problem and only happens during the night.

"I do not believe people realise the risk of what they are doing. I suppose to them it is just a challenge but it is a bad idea."

So far no one has been seriously injured but Ms Clark believes it is only a matter of time.

She said: "Despite all our efforts, warning signs and barbed wire, people still break on to the pier. They do anything to get in. It is incredibly dangerous and a very unwise thing to do. They could damage themselves or the pier at any time.

"There is the risk of it collapsing. It has weak parts which is why we are having emergency work done on it."

She said night security guards patrolling the Grade I listed building were the only way to stop it happening but the trust could afford to provide that.

Tony Wheeler, watch manager for the Coastguards covering the Brighton and Hove area, said: "To jump off a pier or climb on to one is a very dangerous thing to do.

"If people jump into the water or fall from climbing they could get caught by the conditions in the water and in the structures under the pier.

"It would be very difficult, not only for them, but for anyone to carry on any rescue in these circumstances."

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Climbing on to the West Pier is a very foolish and dangerous thing to do, particularly if you have been drinking.

"We would ask people to heed the advice of all the emergency services and the management of the West Pier which is: 'Don't do it.'"