A tornado-like cloud has been spotted over the north Norfolk coast.

According to the Met Office, a funnel cloud is an extending finger of spinning cloud that reaches towards the ground.

Malcolm Robertson, 58, spotted the funnel cloud of the coast of Salthouse at 11.30am on Saturday, September 23, as he was birdwatching from Gramborough Hill.

He said: "I was somewhat surprised to see a funnel cloud extending down from a shower.

"It was retreating as I was trying to photograph it and was originally extending down much more, maybe twice the length.

"I saw one over the land many years ago, but never over the sea."

North Norfolk News: Malcolm Robertson spotted the funnel cloud of the coast of SalthouseMalcolm Robertson spotted the funnel cloud of the coast of Salthouse (Image: Malcolm Robertson)

Funnel clouds develop the same way as tornadoes with wind drawing in cloud droplets to make an area of intense low pressure.

They often coincide with heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning.

This is not the first which has been seen in Norfolk this year, with sightings in Upwell and Long Stratton.

The UK sees around 30 to 35 tornadoes each year, though it is very rare that are they strong enough to cause damage.

When funnel clouds reach the ground they become tornadoes.