A pod of 10 bottlenose dolphins that have been delighting visitors to the Norfolk coast have been described as "rare" and "exciting" after the elusive species were captured on film. 

Photographer Chris Taylor shot footage of the marine mammals while flying a drone off the coast of West Runton on Monday (August 14).  

Several other sightings were reported, with Victor Shannock capturing footage of the animals directly next to his boat near Sheringham.  

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Carl Chapman, Norfolk's Cetacean and Pinniped Recorder, received multiple reports of the pod, which people claim included two bottlenose calves. 
 He said: "It's great to see so many people enjoying the animals and is certainly an exciting spot. 

"Around 20 years ago, we often used to see white-beaked dolphins across the county, but they've disappeared north as temperatures have risen, so it's great that the bottlenose species have been spotted here. 

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"Bottlenose dolphins are an enigma and we really don't see many here at all.  

"It's amazing quality footage." 

The dolphins were first seen in Cromer, before moving along the north Norfolk coast, last being seen by night wardens at Blakeney Point. 

After analysing the animals' fins, Mr Chapman was unable to find a match for any dolphins that have been recorded in the UK, suggesting they may have come from further afield.