Hundreds of thousands of rare purple jellyfish have washed up on on a British beach.

The 'Mauve Stingers' are only small - but capable of a powerful sting and glow brightly at night if disturbed.

The jellyfish were spotted washed up at Porth Hellick on St Mary's on the Isles Of Scilly.

The species are uncommon close to UK shores.

They may be found offshore and in warmer European waters such as the Mediterranean, particularly from July to October.