Storms and bad weather could have caused the deaths of dozens of puffins washed up on beaches, according to the RSPB.

Dozens of dead birds have been found on beaches around the north-east of England, including Druridge Bay and Warkworth in Northumberland and Seaburn in Sunderland.

Puffins are classed as a vulnerable bird species in the UK and have colonies on Coquet Island and the Farne Islands, although they are not due to return from their migration for several weeks.