An albino lobster - described as one in a million - is coming out of his shell as a new tourist attraction.

The rare crustacean was caught recently off the Dorset coast but now calls the Southend Sea Life Adventure Aquarium in Essex home.

Aquarium workers say visitors may have to pinch themselves at the unusual sight - but the male labster will not be blushing at the attention.

Jennifer Vowles, from the centre, said: "I believe that only one or two other albino lobsters have been found around the UK in the last 20 years or so.

"In the wild, it would be very hard for an albino animal to survive for very long as they are unable to hide and are therefore vulnerable to predators eating them.

"But other than that, they are the same as a normal lobster."

Senior aquarist Amelie Brackin said the creature - which does not yet have a name - will be used in educational activities.

She added: "Because he is a rarity - and therefore something of an oddity - his albinism allows us to demonstrate to our visitors the rich diversity and uniqueness of the great many creatures living in our seas.

"Many people assume that lobsters are red as they only see them served on a plate.

"They're intrigued when they see their true colour is actually dark blue but are even more fascinated to see a completely white one.

"Although they are extremely rare compared to normal lobsters, albinos are not impossible to find - albeit your chances are approximately a million to one.

"Scientifically speaking, there may be some environmental factor that has increased albinisms in lobsters or a certain habitat condition that has allowed them to survive longer on the west coast."

The aquarium is asking members of the public to come up with a name for the lobster either by contacting them on Facebook or sending a tweet to @SeaLifeAdv