A RARE moth has paid a visit to a Bromyard beauty spot.

A planned moth-trapping event on Bromyard Downs Common last week proved a disappointment due to drizzling rain and mist keeping the moths away.

But butterfly and moth enthusiast, Robin Hemming, stayed out until dawn and was rewarded for his patience when he found a rare striped hawkmoth in his trap.

A rare visitor to these shores, the moth is likely to have migrated from Spain or North Africa and it is only the fourth time it has been recorded in Herefordshire.

Mr Hemming said: β€œIt was generally a poor night for moths but to say I was gobsmacked by the find is an understatement.”

The event was one of a series being run by the Bromyard Downs Common Project, a partnership between Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Bromyard Downs Common Association.

The next big event is a 24 hour BioBlitz which includes lots of activities open to the public, starting at midday on July 11.