Sussex is a hotspot for wild and exotic beasts according to a study published today.

Beastwatch, which records sightings, believes the county's rural areas are home to a number of exotic creatures.

Among the most common in Sussex, Beastwatch believes, are wild boars but reports of pythons, tarantulas and wallabies have all been recorded by the organisation.

A spokesman said: "It is clear the UK contains far more exotic wild animals than the public could ever imagine."

Among the most notorious sightings are those of big black cats, thought to be pumas or panthers, which are also not uncommon in Sussex.

It is thought many of the animals spotted and recorded by Beastwatch have escaped from zoos or private collections.