A rare fish has been uncovered in the Helford River by rockpoolers from Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

The Giant Goby is a southern European fish, and is not usually found in colder northern waters.

But the volunteers, led by fish expert Doug Herdson, came across the rare find while taking part in a training programme put together as part of the Your Shore project.

“It was fantastic end to an inspiring and exciting day out on the shore,” said Abby Cross, Marine Conservation Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust “Giant Gobies are protected under schedule five of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 so, after the group had confirmed its identification, the leader Doug Herdson, was quick to ensure that the fish was returned immediately to the rock pool that it was found in.”

The Your Shore project is part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Marine Conservation programme, and runs events and activities which aim to engage people with the marine environment.

It runs for three years and is based within the Voluntary Marine Conservation areas of St Agnes and Polzeath on the north coast, and Helford, Fowey and Looe on the south.