A giant moth which could span to about 10cm wide is a common find in mid September.

That is according to nature expert Owen Leyshon, who said that the bugs travel from the Mediterranean and North African region.

The Convolvulus Hawk Moth, he said, is probably the biggest people will see in this country.

Jack Allright discovered one is St Mary's Bay at the weekend, describing it as "the biggest moth I've seen to date."

Mr Allright and his friend were walking along the seafront when he said he saw it sticking out of a wall.

Mr Leyshon said: "Over the years I have had hysterical members of the public phoning me when they have had one in the bathroom or find one resting on the garden fence.

"They don’t bite – they are a moth.

"This species will only be seen in late August through September and October in the south east and with all this wonderful hot weather and southerly airflow from Europe.

"Convolvulus Hawk Moths have a general grey coloration on the wings but they have a pink and black striped abdomen."