THIS stunning image taken over Old Harry Rocks highlights the massive forces at play along the Jurassic Coast.

The milky areas in the sea below the famous chalk cliffs show sediment, tiny pieces of rocks, which have been broken off by weathering - strong winds and powerful waves.

Aerial photographer Stephen Bath captured the images, which at first were thought may have shown a recent landslip.

However, Jon Bish - from the National Trust - said the images don't show any recent changes to the line of the cliffs at all.

"The white colour in the sea is normal for this area and looks like sediment," said Mr Bish. "The landslip visible near the Pinnacle took place in 2011, you can see that it has been there long enough for vegetation to take root on it."

However, the cliffs in that part of Purbeck are receding at an average of 70cm a year due to coastal erosion.

Mr Bish explained: "Significant landslips like the one in the picture happen now and again but more gradual change is happening all the time because chalk is slightly soluble in water. There's evidence climate change might speed the process up because the sea is becoming more acidic.

"It is worth remembering that these natural processes are what created the spectacular chalk stacks at Old Harry in the first place from a range of hills which once stretched from Purbeck to the Isle of Wight. The best way to appreciate them is on foot."

There are various stories about the naming of Old Harry Rocks, the three chalk stacks that mark the most easterly point of the Jurassic Coast.

One legend says the Devil, known traditionally as 'Old Harry', slept on the rocks. Another legend suggests the rocks were named after the infamous Poole pirate Harry Paye.