Massive earthworms discovered by scientists on Scottish island

Huge earthworms the size of snakes have been discovered by scientists on the remote Isle of Rum in Scotland.

They are three times the size of a normal worm and measure up to 40cm, around the same size as a baby adder.

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Scientists say they have blossomed thanks to the island's rich soil and the lack of predators.

The worms were found at Papadil, a derelict settlement home to just 30 people.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Dr Kevin Butt, lead researcher on the earthworm study at the University of Central Lancashire, said: Without their activities we'd be a lot worse off. They're just as important as bees are in pollinating plants. They help aerate the soil and drain away water and stop surface erosion."

He added that the worms are bigger on Rum due to their undisturbed location and good quality soil.

With no badgers, moles and foxes to eat them before they grow, Dr Butt said: "These things have just have been left and have grown bigger and bigger."

Dr Butt said people had nothing to fear as "if they feel footsteps they will just go down deeper into the earth".