Beach walkers made a sad discovery this morning in Barmouth.

The carcass of a rare species of whale washed up over night on Barmouth beach.

It was later identified as a Cuvier’s beaked whale.

The carcass has been reported to Gwynedd Council.

The whale was discovered by Tina Triggs, who is a member of Cambrian Beach Guardians.

She said: "I came across the whale whilst walking the dogs at around 7am.

"It is very sad to come across any dead marine mammal, but especially so when it is so large and to find out that it is an unusual species for our waters.

"I would like to thank Barmouth harbourmaster Glyn Jones for responding so quickly to the report of the stranding."

According to Wales and Dolphin Conservation, the Cuvier’s beaked whale is mainly found in deep offshore waters such as the Atlantic and lives off a diet of jellyfish and crustaceans.