Relief for Loch Ness Monster fans after first sighting in eight months

Fears about the legendary Loch Ness Monster have been put to rest following its first 'official' sighting after eight months of uncertainty.

Not one person had reported seeing the fabled creature, known as Nessie, said to live in a Scottish lake, or loch, since last August, causing concern from enthusiasts.

The official recorder of the monster, Gary Campbell, revealed he had taken calls from as far as Moscow and California, the New York Post reports. 

Headlines around the world had been reporting how the monster had gone "missing".

But last Monday an English tourist reported seeing a strange, dark shape at dusk in the loch's Urquhart Bay, said to be its favourite haunt.

The 28-year-old care assistant from Manchester, northern England, said: "I couldn't believe my eyes."

"I am a really skeptical person. I have never even been to Loch Ness before."

Campbell said he was "relieved and delighted" by the sighting.

"Last year was a record year for the 21st century with eight sightings and then she seemed to have disappeared."

He explained sightings were more common in the northern spring and summer which bring days of longer light. Modern technology such as webcams have also helped Nessie watchers.