The ichthyosaur fossil was found near Charmouth two-and-a-half years ago and has since been kept in the Natural History Museum's collection.

It will spend the next year being shown at venues across the county.

Dr Paul Davis, of the Natural History Museum, who unearthed the fossil, said it was a "real thrill" to see it go on show so close to where it was found.

He added that it was found in an unusual location and might yet prove to be a new species.

The ichthyosaur display will be in the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis from 4 to 6 May and will then move to the Lyme Regis Community Resource Centre for two weeks.

It will also go on show in both Seaton and Sidmouth libraries. A full list of venues is to be confirmed at a later date.

The Dorset and east Devon coast, where countless fossils have been found over hundreds of years, is known as the Jurassic Coast after being given World Heritage Site status.