A photographer has captured a rare lunar phenomenon last seen over the Suffolk skies nearly 20 years ago. 

Mik Stoddard was walking along Shingle Street on Friday, June 21 to take images of the Strawberry Moon rising from the horizon of the North Sea. 

The sixth full moon of the year is called the Strawberry Moon as it happens in June, the month farmers harvest strawberries. 

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The moon rising from the North Sea HorizonThe moon rising from the North Sea horizon (Image: Mik Stoddard) "There was considerable distortion until it rose well clear of the horizon and a cloud bank far out to sea that kept chopping bits of the moon off," said Mr Stoddard.

This year the Strawberry Moon rose on the day of the summer solstice which marks the start of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere.

It caused a rare lunar phenomenon last seen nearly 20 years ago in 2006 as the moon rose and set at the furthest points on the horizon. 

The full moon over Shingle StreetThe full moon over Shingle Street (Image: Mik Stoddard) READ MORE: Rare and endangered bird photographed over nature reserve

The Strawberry Moon is usually the lowest-hanging moon as it mirrors the position of the sun.

The next full moon set to appear in Suffolk skies is on Sunday, July 21.