Bone experts are currently on site near the beach in Hopton on Sea, Norfolk following the discovery of a large fossil, with initial reports suggesting it is a new and previously unknown species of dinosaur.

Now experts are expected to be flying in from all over the world to examine the discovery – which was unearthed by a pet dog on an early morning walk.

The species has been named temporarily Brewersaurus.

The dog who made the find – Frank – was being walked by his owner Buzby Allen, who recently won Norfolk’s Tourism Superstar award for his show at Potters Resort, on the coast of the village.

Mr Allen said: “I heard Frank barking, and when I went over to him he had a huge bone in his mouth. I’m hoping we’ve found a brand new species, and that it’s as significant as the ancient footprints discovered last year on Happisburgh beach.”

One of the experts on scene, who did not want the exact location revealed, or his identity, until delicate excavation work has been completed, said: “The creature could be as large as 32ft long and was discovered close to the beach. It could be one of the earliest links to life on Earth and surprisingly, as we have begun to put pieces together, it appears to have had a large funny bone.”

For breaking news on this exclusive Great Yarmouth Mercury story click here