SWIMMERS have been warned about bathing in a popular stretch of water after toxic blue green algae was discovered.

Warning notices have been erected around Pennington Flash in Leigh to stop people entering the water.

The toxic algae can lead to illnesses such as eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, muscular pains and fever.

It is also very harmful to animals.

The algae is present because of the recent warm weather, but it is expected to disperse when cooler conditions set in.