Researchers claim to have captured the 'first ever video' of The Loch Ness Monster - using a thermal imaging drone.

The image apparently shows a large animal on the banks of the famous lake - and could be Nessie, experts say.

It was captured at night using heat sensing drone technology - as part of a recent mass hunt for the elusive creature in Scotland.

Production company Dragonfly Films used thermal imaging tech as part of the hunt - and believe they may have filmed Nessie near the shore.

The project’s producer Tim Whittard said: "These thermal drones allowed us to see the loch in infrared."

''With this equipment we were able to see immediately if any animal breaks the water’s surface.

"This thermal imaging technology has been available for several years now, and it seems remarkable that no one has yet deployed such equipment in an effort to investigate this mystery."

''It did detect an unusual heat signature on one of the thermal imaging drones - a large mass near the shore.''

The recent search saw researchers and enthusiasts travel from all over the globe with some coming from as far away as Japan and Australia.

The footage will form the season finale of new TV series ‘Weird Britain’ by Dragonfly Films.

It is expected to be broadcast on television in the UK and released online later this year.