A council has warned tourists to stop trampling “iconic” flower beds, as it looks at measures to protect the precious plants.

Westgate Gardens in Canterbury has become a hotspot for selfie snappers, with photos among its vibrant displays popping up on social media all over the world.

However, tourists stepping through the flowers to get the perfect picture has become a frequent problem.

Canterbury City Council (CCC), which owns the park, has described the issue as a “nice one to have” but is looking at ways to stop it.

A spokesman told the BBC: “The flower displays in the Westgate Gardens are stunning and we enjoy seeing pictures popping up worldwide on Instagram, TikTok and other social media sites.

"The park is becoming increasingly iconic and is being visited more and more as a result, and most people are very respectful of the displays.

“But we are aware of the concerns of residents that a tiny minority of visitors are causing damage to the flowers through their over-exuberance to get that perfect snap.

"We are currently actively looking at measures we can put in place that would protect the flowerbeds while still allowing photographs to be taken.

"In many ways, it's a nice problem to have, and we are sure that through a combination of common sense and some small changes to the layout in that area of the Westgate Gardens, everyone can continue to enjoy the park and its flowers."

Residents previously hit out at those walking through the displays, which run alongside the River Stour.

Terry Westgate said: “The tourists seem to think they can get these fantastic photographs from in among the flowers, but they're showing no respect.

“They have completely worn out the grass, and it’s now got to the stage that they are standing in the flowerbeds to get the perfect pic, but in doing so, they are ruining it for everyone.

“It’s an absolute tragedy for all of Canterbury.”

There were also calls for better signage or a park warden to keep people on the designated walkways.