This is the amazing moment that a quarry resembles the shape of a heart, in a phenomenon that has taken locals by surprise.

The Elterwater quarry in Cumbria has now reached a water level that reveals a hidden heart shape that can only be seen rarely in the 500 million year old volcanic rock.

However, the giant heart shape can only be fully seen from 400 feet up, so drone photographer Steven Lomas took a 200 mile round trip from his home in South Shields to document the natural wonder at the perfect time.

Steven, 37, said: "I have seen satellite photographs of it empty and it just looks like an ordinary hole in the ground. But something special happens when it fills with water and it creates this amazing blue heart.

"When I found out about it I took a chance and did a 200 mile round trip to take this photograph. I am really pleased that I did and am thrilled with the results."

Elterwater quarry, located in the centre of the Langdale Valley has a slate and mining history dating back to the 19th Century.

The quarry has a number of complex underground caverns, quarry voids and operators are planning to celebrate the site by creating a heritage experience and cavern tour in the near future.

The quarry produces a distinctive pale green stone, which often contain contrasting markings in-keeping with the ancient nature of the prehistoric rocks.

The blue colour in the water is caused by ancient volcanic rock, which produces a high concentration of dissolved metals.