A POD of pilot whales was spotted off Mersea Island.

About 30 whales were seen by oystermen in the Blackwater estuary.

Stacey Belbin, who runs trips in her boat the Lady Grace, was alerted to the unusual visitors by oysterman Stephen Wass.

She said: "It was absolutely amazing. They were about 15 to 20 feet long and our boat was only 16 feet. They came right along side us.

"I have seen porpoises before but I have never seen a pod of whales here before and I know I am not likely to see them again.

"To see 30 of them together was incredible."

Pilot whales can be found in oceans across the world.

 

See Wednesday's Gazette for the full story and pictures