A WILDLIFE enthusiast has photographed a pod of dolphins off the Purbeck coastline.

James Bourn spotted the pod of 12 to 15 dolphins on his way back from scuba diving near the Old Harry Rocks.

The 28-year-old. who lives in Poole, said: “The dolphins were spread out and started following my boat.

“They were surfing and playing in the waves the boat was making.”

James, a regular diver, has previously seen many other marine creatures in waters off the Dorset coastline, including seals.

However, he has never before seen dolphins.

“You’d go to some of the best places in the world to see sights like that,” he said.

“It’s not an experience you would expect to get right on your doorstep.

“This was definitely an incredible encounter and one I will never forget.”

Conservation experts have noted that a one particular pod of dolphins routinely visit the Dorset coast, and are often seen around Durlston Head and Portland Bill.