UK storms: Before and after damage to South West coast

Winter storms have left the South West coast disfigured by huge swells that have battered the region since the start of the year.

Wind and rain in some areas, such as Dawlish in Devon, have led to the evacuation of homes and the destruction of the railway track linking Cornwall and much of Devon with the rest of the UK.

In several coastal communities, harbour walls have been smashed into rubble.

BBC News looks at the changing face of the region's coastline.

Beesands, South Devon

The storms have gouged out a long section of the sea defences at this low-lying and exposed fishing village

Lamorna Cove, Cornwall

Waves overpowered the Lamorna Cove harbour wall, smashing it into pieces. Waves also ripped off shed doors and a cafe terrace was severely damaged

Portwrinkle, Cornwall

The harbour wall at the fishing village of Portwrinkle has been left with a hole right through it

South Milton, South Devon

Sand dunes which had been recently restored at the National Trust-owned South Milton beach have been ripped apart by the waves and a road has been demolished

Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Beach defences under offices, cafes and shops at Fistral collapsed, causing more than £1m of damage said the owners of the complex

Dawlish, Devon

The railway track and sea defences at Dawlish were torn apart by the storms. Containers have been placed along the seafront as a temporary barrier