Residents have been treated to a surprising and stunning display of nature on a Kent beach.

In the middle of the night along Romney Marsh, anyone walking along the beach could spot the waves illuminated a dazzling blue as they broke on the shore.

The beautiful effects are caused by phytoplankton in the water which light up at night when moved by the waves.

So small that they are invisible to the naked eye, the tiny creatures produce chemical reactions that produce light in response to the water being disturbed.

The bioluminescence is a phenomenon that is more common in warmer climates, and while it does appear each year in some places along the Kent coast, it is less common to find the algae shining so clearly.

Warm weather spells that heat up the sea often produce even brighter displays as the warmer waters 'charge up' the phytoplankton.

Photographer Mike Hardy managed to snap several stunning pictures of the exhibition, which took place on Thursday night along St Mary's Bay and New Romney.

As well as the beautiful sea view, Mr Hardy also managed to capture the milky way – an exceptionally rare combination.

This is not the first time the plankton have graced the coastline – they also wowed onlookers in St Mary's Bay two years ago.

There are also plenty of other weird and wonderful natural events occurring every year.