It is believed a total of 23 people died in the tragedy

The event was led by Geraldine Smith, MP for Morecambe, who was joined by other MPs in a charity walk across the bay on Sunday.

Local residents and police were also involved in the walk, which is hoped to raise money for the RNLI.

Mrs Smith said the area's lifeboat played a vital role in the rescue operations in February's tragedy.

The walk took place two days after it was confirmed a badly decomposed body found at the bay last week was that of the 21st victim.

People continue to take chances and stay out too long when the tide is coming in Geraldine Smith MP

"Morecambe lifeboat has been called out 20 times this year alone and, unfortunately, most of those incidents involved cockle pickers," Mrs Smith said on Sunday.

"The lifeboat provides a valuable service and the staff demonstrate extraordinary courage."

She was joined by fellow MPs, Chorley's Lindsay Hoyle and Bob Laxton, MP for Derby North.

"My concern is that the situation in Morecambe Bay is putting people's lives at risk," continued Mrs Smith.

"People continue to take chances and stay out too long when the tide is coming in. This puts their own lives and the lives of those who work in the emergency services in danger."

Charges dropped

She said she has worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive and other groups to get regulations regarding cockling tightened up.

It is believed a total of 23 people died in the tragedy, as they were caught by rising tides at Hest Bank in the bay while they worked in darkness late in the evening of 5 February.

Charges against two people arrested over the deaths of the cockle pickers were dropped on 13 April.

Another six arrested in connection with the tragedy are currently on extended bail.

Four of the six are no longer suspected of manslaughter and are being questioned over immigration offences.