A KAYAK group had a big surprise when they went for an evening paddle in Portland Harbour – 30 barrel jellyfish.

The eight paddlers from the Isle of Portland Canoe Club (IOPCC) had been out for a leisurely outing on Thursday evening.

They headed out into Portland Harbour from 6pm to 8pm in the evening sunshine, but were surprised to see they weren’t the only ones enjoying the waters.

As they paddled they spotted between 20 - 30 giant barrel jellyfish.

The gentle giants can grow to the size of dustbin lids but despite their size, their sting is usually very mild according to experts – although people are advised not to touch them.

They are the biggest species of jellyfish found in the south west of England, and scientists have said they are thriving after a mild winter and rising levels of plankton, which they feed on.

Jon Massey from the IOPCC said they were shocked to see so many.

He said the paddlers enjoyed calm waters. He added: “It was a lovely evening I had eight people turn up. It was funny that once you had spotted one jelly fish, you just kept seeing them. There were loads especially around the northern entrance of Portland Harbour - at least 20 or 30.

“I was a little surprised to see so many I did see a lot last year, but I think it was later in the year. I thought that the water was still a bit cold for jellyfish but obviously not.”