THIS incredible photo of a brittle star was taken at Sandown beach.

Keen wildlife photographer Jackie Jones regularly shares her pictures on the Isle of Wight Nature Facebook page.

Dr Roger Herbert, from the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society, said brittle stars — closely related to the starfish family — had been spotted in increasing numbers on Island shores, especially in the East Wight, as had common starfish and green sea urchins.

He said: "A possibility for the high number of observations is that more people have cameras on their phones and are taking an interest by uploading images on social media sites. I am extremely grateful to all those keen wildlife photographers who have shared their findings.

"The project 'iWatch Wildlife', which is hosted by the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society, has managed to collate these observations and images so that they can been incorporated within the scientific record."

Dr Herbert encouraged wildlife watchers to share their observations on the iWatchWildlife Facebook page.