People flocking to Kent's coasts today had to content with a giant bird running loose on the road.

An ostrich-like rhea was spotted on the A259 Dymchurch Road in St Mary's Bay, Romney Marsh, this afternoon.

The road runner escaped from a neighbouring field, and saw the road temporarily closed in both directions between Cobsden Road and the Ocean Inn pub.

This compounded traffic issues in the area, already clogged with increased Bank Holiday travel.

It was initially feared the hold-ups were due to an accident, however an ambulance present was simply among the vehicles being stopped due to the rhea.

It is not known what happened to the bird, however queues appear to have eased.

Rheas are native to South America and are distantly related to ostriches and emus.

Reaching up to 170cm tall, the flightless birds can reach running speeds of 40mph.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh