Harbour shark basks in spotlight

Penzance: Sharks are a rare visitor to the harbour

A basking shark measuring about 10ft long has been entertaining holidaymakers in a Cornish harbour.

The unusual and harmless tourist attraction was spotted early on Wednesday in Penzance Harbour.

It swam free when the harbour gates were opened later in the afternoon.

Penzance Harbour Master Neil Clark said basking sharks were common outside the harbour walls, but it was rare to find them inside.

He said: "We have had a basking shark before and occasionally we get seals in here, but they normally only stay for the one tide and go away as soon as the gate opens up.

"Because of the height differences in the water inside and outside they are able to detect the movement and they very quickly find their way out again."