FOLLOWING a day of stormy conditions, a whale, in an advanced state of decomposition, has been washed up on a West Wight beach.

Visitors to Ford Victoria Country Park are being warned to be cautious when walking along the beach, in case they come up to where the animal was washed ashore, near the park.

On its Facebook page, Fort Victoria Country Park said: "Yesterday's storms have brought up a decomposing whale onto the beach. Dogwalkers and rockpoolers be aware in case the tide doesn't remove it."

The Isle of Wight Council and Solent Coastguard were informed.

The carcass will be disposed of by the Receiver of the Wreck, who is called in when 'royal fish' — such as whales, porpoises or dolphins — are found washed up.