A pilot whale has been found dead after washing up on a beach in the South Hams.

The 18ft-animal was discovered at Abraham's Hole on Saturday, November 3.

Watchkeepers from Prawle Point NCI reported the find to HM Coastguard in Falmouth.

Initial reports suggested that the sea creature had been stranded - but coastguards believe it “washed up in a recent storm”.

A witness said it had been “dead for a while”.

Pilot whales are members of the dolphin family and are common in cooler waters across the world.

Prawle Point NCI said: “We were telephoned on Saturday regarding a stranded pilot whale on a local beach.

“We reported this to Falmouth Coastguard who let the British Marine rescue know.

“Unfortunately, the whale was found to be dead.”

Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team said: "The team were tasked to investigate reports of a dead whale washed up on Rickham Sands below Gara Rock Hotel.

"Our vehicle was already out on patrol and was diverted to the scene where they met up with other team members.

"CROs were deployed to the beach with the manned vehicle remaining up by the hotel to provide communications cover.

"The whale had unfortunately died some time ago and had been washed up in the recent storms.

"The team gathered information for the operations centre.

"If you see anything unusual on our beaches, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."