One of Britain's most elusive butterflies has been spotted for a third time in north Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The Purple Emperor butterfly at Beeston Common. Pictures: Francis FarrowThe Purple Emperor butterfly at Beeston Common. Pictures: Francis Farrow (Image: Archant)

The Purple Emperor was seen at Beeston Common, near Sheringham, just days after the butterly was also spotted at the National Trust's Sheringham Park.

Britain's second-largest butterfly is rarely seen in Norfolk, preferring larger woodlands in southern England.

The most recent sighting was made by Beeston Common honorary warden Francis Farrow, who said: 'These impressive butterflies have not been seen in Norfolk since the early 1970s apart from some infrequent sightings.

'The butterfly seen at Beeston Common was a female, which is largely brown with white diagonal wing markings, not the impressive iridescent purple male.'

He said one theory was that the butterflies in north Norfolk were from a colony in Suffolk.

Mr Farrow added: 'Hopefully enough of these large and beautiful butterflies will arrive and start their own colonies in Norfolk woodlands.'