IT LOOKS like a giant alien eye or a monster from the deep. But it's actually one of the first Barrel jellyfish of the season to be washed up on East Dorset's shores.

The creature, which was the size of a dustbin lid, was discovered by professional dog-walker, Denise Nicholson, on Sandbanks, close to the polo beach. "A lot of dogs were showing an interest!" she said.

They may have been more cautious if they'd known that each of the jellyfish's eight frilly arms contain their small stinging tentacles which surround hundreds of little mouths.

The British Wildlife Trusts say the stings are not thought to be harmful to humans but they should not be handled as they can still sting when dead. Barrel jellyfish are attracted inshore by plankton blooms and they are the favourite food of the Leatherback turtle.