This is the moment a 50ft sperm whale beached off the coast of Seasalter was brought to shore.

Disposal has been brought forward to today after tests were carried out by the Zoological Society over the weekend.

The huge mammal is expected to be taken to landfill or incinerated by contractors today.

The Medway Otter, a 50ft steel workboat, was used to tow the whale back to the Lower Camber in Sheerness Port on Friday afternoon.

Dave Redwood, marine services manager at Peel Ports Medway, said: "Thankfully, all went to plan and the Zoological Society were on site on Saturday and again this morning taking samples.

"Disposal has been brought forward and the contractors will be coming in today."

Becky Austin, the deputy Receiver of Wreck, said experts have taken samples from the whale to establish how it died.

However, she said a full autopsy is unlikely to be carried out.

Stories you might have missed

Damning Ofsted report finds school inadequate in every area

Dumped dogs found in appalling condition are nursed back to health

Teacher's inquest dramatically halted amid warning of unlawful killing verdict

Man jailed for 'sophisticated' money laundering scam