THIS stunning image of a magnificent white stag was taken at Arne Nature Reserve on Easter Monday.

Experienced amateur photographer Gareth James was out walking his family when he came within 30ft of the magical-looking creature.

The father-of-two from Swanage told the Echo his children, aged seven and nine, often asked to visit the RSPB reserve near Wareham to see if they can see the famed 'white hart' - but he never imagined they would come across it.

"We'd heard rumours and seen some pictures over the years but I never really expected to see it. We were taking one of the back tracks and there it was pretty much in front of us - it was incredible - a bit surreal."

Gareth, sales manager at a food company, said he used a Canon DSLR with a long lens, creeping up behind some trees to capture the shot at around 2pm on Monday.

"It was right place, right time I think," he added. "It was quite startling, quite impressive."

The white hart has long been a creature surrounded by mystery, taking on symbolism across different cultures. Its bright white appearance is as a result of Leucism, a rare genetic pattern that causes a reduction in the pigment of an animal's hair and skin.

Rob Farrington, visitor experience manager at Arne, said Leucism is actually not as uncommon in the Purbeck area, and there might be as many as five white Sika deer at Arne at any one time.

"It does seem to be quite common around here," he added. "I'm not sure why - but it does make for a lovely picture!"