Sicily's Mount Etna has erupted spectacularly, with its first major lava flow in nine years.

Lava, ash and rocks streamed down the volcano, scorching everything in their path.

However, there was not thought to be a major threat to the local population as the lava appeared to be heading away from nearby towns and villages.

The moulten magma stopped in a valley area at the mountain base.

Etna has been spewing ash and rock for the past week.

Europe's tallest and most active volcano last had a major eruption in December 1991.