As the warmer weather returns to Cornwall this weekend so has the sealife, as these stunning pictures from Falmouth show.

They were captured by Packet Camera Club member Charlotte Jay, as she was out paddleboarding this morning.

She spotted the majestic compass jellyfish floating below her and fortunately she had her mobile phone with her to snap a few shots.

Falmouth Packet:

Photo: Charlotte Jay

Charlotte said: "It was totally by chance; I was out paddleboarding.

She added that the largest jellyfish she saw was approximately 12 to 14cm in diameter, with tentacles around 30 to 40cm long.

According to the Wildlife Trusts charity, however, the jellyfish seen by Charlotte was only around the half the size of how large compass can get, with the sea creature able to grow up to 30cm across in diameter.

Falmouth Packet:

Photo: Charlotte Jay

"They were just before the tip of Stack Point from Swanpool beach, in the calmest, mill pool, waters.

"I saw two or three compass jelly fish, and six or seven others around, but not stingers.

"I always have my mobile in a waterproof casing for emergencies and couldn’t resist pausing to take photos."

Falmouth Packet:

Stack Point off Swanpool. Photo: Charlotte Jay

They are summer visitors to UK waters, most commonly seen between May and October.

They feed on small fish, crustaceans and even other jellyfish, and get their name from the distinct brown pattern on their bell - a circular pattern that resembles a compass.

Often they wash ashore, but the charity warns: "They give a nasty sting though - so look, but don't touch.

"If you are stung, jellyfish often leave the tentacle on your skin - it will continue to sting you even when not connected to the body. Scrape the area with a clean stick or remove the tentacle with tweezers if you have them to hand, then rinse the area with warm to hot water to reduce swelling."

  • Have you captured any stunning shots of wildlife or sealife in Cornwall? Send us your photos by emailing editorial@packetseries.co.uk or messaging our Packet Newspapers Facebook page .

You can also join the Packet Camera Club and share your photos of life in Cornwall by clicking here.