A rare albino squirrel has been spotted in woodland in Maidstone.

Car salesman Ben Maskell, 26, was walking towards his home on the Vinters Park Estate when he caught a glimpse of the rodent out the corner of his eye.

Distinctive by its bright red eyes, the albino squirrel has only been spotted a handful of times across the county in recent years.

Mr Maskell said: "At first I thought it was a plastic bag, but then I saw it was moving, so got a bit closer.

"It seemed fairly tame, and I've now spotted it two or three times, so it must be quite local to the woodland area by the crematorium.

"I told my grandad and he was quite excited because he loves nature and saw one in his garden in Detling about 30 years ago, so it's a bit odd that two members of the same family have been able to find them.

"It looked very natural and very comfortable - certainly not fazed by my presence. I'm now looking out every time I walk past because it's something you don't see every day."

A white squirrel was seen last year in a Sandling garden and near The Chiltern Hundreds pub in Maidstone, while previously there have also been sightings in Hawkinge, West Malling and Swingfield, a small village between Densole and Lydden.

Have you seen an albino squirrel? Send your pictures to tpyman@thekmgroup.co.uk