JELLYFISH with a vicious sting have invaded the North Yorkshire coast – but this time there’s no need to worry.

The Sea Life Centre at Scarborough has taken delivery of the spectacular – and dreaded – lion’s mane jellyfish.

The lion’s mane is one of the largest of the species – it has tentacles that can grow up to three metres in length and is covered with stinging cells.

Its body can grow up to six metres long and its ancestors were swimming in the oceans before the age of the dinosaurs.

Though they rarely wash up on the shore, they are quite common off north, east and west coasts of Britain creating a hazard for those choosing to dive off-shore.

“Visitors will now be able to view one of the most magnificent Jellyfish in the world in a completely safe environment,” said the centre’s displays curator Lyndsey Crawford.

“Lion’s mane jellyfish are distinctive in both their size and magnificent red colouring, but although they may look attractive, they should certainly be avoided at all costs,” she added.

“They have a very severe sting that can produce blisters, irritation and muscular cramps and in more serious cases they have been known to affect respiratory and heart function.

“The animal care team have been provided with safety briefs in looking after these creatures.”

The new arrivals are still in their infancy and currently measure about 30 centimetres in diameter.