A RARE form of mushroom has been discovered in a Weymouth garden.

The Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as the ‘fly agaric’ or ‘fly amanita’ is a large white spotted red toadstool mushroom.

The particular mushroom is poisonous and also widely known for its hallucinogenic properties.

Shaun Hull, 70, from Maiden Newton, spotted the particular form of fungi in her friend’s garden during the autumn.

She said: “I believe they are called fly agaric mushrooms and are about six to eight inches across.

“I have never seen any before, but I thought they were so beautiful I just had to snap them.

“My friend has lived there for eight years and this is their first appearance.

“I think they are poisonous, but regardless of this something has been nibbling at them.

“It’s the first time my friend has seen them too; these were growing around one of her trees.”

A spokesman for the Dorset Wildlife Trust said: “These mushrooms are usually found in acid woodlands, among conifer and birch and are not so common in gardens.

“They are poisonous and hallucinogenic, so if you find them, just leave them alone and do not eat them.”