Rare black fox spotted on Tarleton road

The fox was caught on camera by a local farmer at the junction of Middle Meanygate and Taylors Meanygate, between Banks and Tarleton on Wednesday.

Black foxes have been hunted almost to extinction in the UK for their unusual fur - however, there has been an increase in the number of reported sightings in the past few years, according to wildlife volunteer group Black Foxes UK.

In the UK nearly all foxes are red, however a number of colour variations have been recorded, including black, white, blonde and grey.

For a fox to be born with black fur, both of its parents must carry a recessive melanic gene.