A resident has spotted a snake-like creature in the New Forest that is believed to be more than 30 centimetres long. 

Daily Echo Camera Club member, Roy Wilson, spotted the strange creature slithering through the undergrowth while out in the Forest on Tuesday.

Despite its snake-like appearance, the creature is actually a type of legless lizard called a slow worm. 

(Image: Roy Wilson) Taking to social media to share his impressive find, Roy said: "To our surprise we came across this slow worm right out in the open.

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"It was about a 30cm long - I cannot remember the last time I saw one of these creatures.

"We made sure it got back safely to the undergrowth."

(Image: Roy Wilson) According to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, it is common to see these creatures between March and October.

The slow worm is different from a snake due to its ability to shed its tail and blink with its eyelids.