Whale sightings in Cornwall 'go through the roof'

Hundreds of people have reported humpback whale sightings in Newquay in the last few weeks

Humpback whale sightings off the south coast of the UK have "gone through the roof", a whildlife charity has said.

Bex Allen, from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said monthly surveys show an increased number of the ocean mammals which she called "one of the greatest recovery stories".

People are now travelling from all over the UK to catch a glimpse of the stunning mammals off the Cornish coast, in Newquay.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said it had confirmed sightings of at least five whales across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Two humpbacks are currently thought to be swimming around Newquay, with hundreds of people gathering at Bedruthan Steps (a popular viewpoint near the sea) on Thursday to see them.

Ms Allen said she thinks the whales "have really captured the hearts and minds" of people around Cornwall.

Ms Allen said eco-tourism was "a great thing when it's done in the right way".

The marine conservation officer said: "Humpbacks are a bit new to our area and they're really charismatic whales.

"They do tend to put on a display, sometimes by breaching out of the water and they fluke, so they put their tail flukes out of the water and up in the air when they deep dive.

"They're one of those whales that everyone wants to see."

Why are more whales being spotted in Cornwall?

However, the conservation officer said it's not really clear why more humpbacks are coming to Cornwall.

Experts think it may be they're feeding there, before migrating to tropical waters.

One of the whales in Newquay is apparently a repeat visitor from last year -something Ms Allen is very excited about.

However, she said it's best to the make the most of it now, as they can't be sure the whales will be back again next year.

Humpback whales are mammals, which means they need to come out of the water to breathe

Humongous humpback facts

• Humpbacks swim in oceans all over the world

• They can weigh up to 40 tonnes, which is heavier than four African elephants

• They can live to be 90 years old

• A group of them is called a pod

• They communicate by singing complicated and very loud 'songs', which can last up to 30 minutes

• Their huge tail fin is called a fluke