A fossil museum in Dorset has launched a fundraiser to continue excavation work on the sea monster featured in the latest David Attenborough documentary.

The BBC documentary, Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster, covered the exciting discovery of a 150-million-year-old pliosaur near Kimmeridge Bay.

The huge fossil went on permanent display early in January at the Etches Collection museum named after renowned palaeontologist Dr Steve Etches MBE.

READ MORE: Dorset fossil subject of David Attenborough documentary

The skull attracted more than 17,500 visitors and now the museum has launched a JustGiving page to raise funds to cover the costs of excavating the remaining body of the pliosaur.

Donations will go towards the cost of planning, excavation, collection, preparation and preservation, scientific study, and education.

Dr Etches said: “The excavation of the remaining pliosaur body is a race against time and nature, so this is a priority for me, especially since we could lose important pieces of the specimen due to rapid cliff erosion.

“Any help that people can provide towards this unique fundraising opportunity, where you will play an incredible part in making palaeontological history, would be truly grateful.”

You can donate to the fundraiser by going to the JustGiving page:  https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/searex