A rare stork has been spotted on a Sussex lampost.

The Marabou Stork, normally found in the wetlands of central Africa, was sighted perched on a light at a water treatment plant in Ansty, near Haywards Heath.

It is believed to have escaped from captivity.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Bell was called out but could not recapture the animal, which flew off.

She said: "It was very big and fairly tame, but not quite tame enough for us to get close to catch it. We would like to hear from anyone who sees it as if it is captive, as we believe, it will struggle to survive in the wild."

She said anyone who sees the stork should not approach it but should call 0300 1234999.

The RSPCA said the birds tended to stay in the same area and lived mostly on road-killed animals, so should not be a danger.

Marabou Storks can grow to 150cm tall and almost two stone in weight.