IT must be one of the busiest stretches of water in the world.

But that has not stopped a bottlenose dolphin and her young calf making their way up Southampton Water almost to the end of the River Test.

Amazed dockworkers watched in awe as the creatures frolicked in the high waters on an early morning feeding spree opposite the Redbridge Vehicle Terminal near to the entrance to Eling Harbour.

In a scene reminiscent of classic television programme Flipper, the dolphins were seen to leap completely free of the water as they darted back and forth.

Southampton Docks security guard Ian Jackson managed to capture the scenes on video using his mobile phone.

He said: "They were having a good feed, and it seemed that it was a mother and young calf because one was quite a lot smaller than the other. It was just so wonderful to see them in Southampton Water. It's certainly not something you see every day!"

Vicky Swales, a marine conservation officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, urged anyone who spotted the dolphins to contact her.

She said: "Four bottlenose dolphins were spotted at Lee-on-the-Solent around ten days ago but it is unusual for them to be so far up the River Test.

"The chances are that they were feeding and followed the fish up the river as the tide rose. However, it could be the result of a navigational error.

"I am very curious to hear from anyone who has spotted the dolphins."

If you have seen the dolphins, contact Vicky on 01489 774423 or fill in a marine mammal sighting form from www.hwt.org.uk.