RESIDENTS in Dorset are being reminded to check for tick bites while out and about this summer.

Ticks are known for carrying Lyme disease which is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks.

It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.

Public Health Dorset is urging people to try and avoid getting bites and to go to your doctor if you feel unwell or have flu like symptoms along with a 'bullseye' rash.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: "It’s tick season, so whilst you're out enjoying our wonderful Dorset countryside take care to avoid tick bites.

"Lyme disease is the most common human disease transmitted by ticks. Contact your GP if you notice a clear bullseye rash, or feel unwell with flu-like symptoms."

A circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people, according to NHS England

The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks. It can last for several weeks.

Some people also get flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick.

This includes a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, headaches, muscle and joint pain, tiredness and loss of energy.