Trail cams have been set up in the British countryside following a reported sighting of a big cat and her cub.

A report came into a dedicated Big Cats Facebook group that a couple spotted the feline, described as a 'large black cat',  alongside her cub in Cumbria.

The myth of the elusive 'Beast of Cumbria' is believed to have started when big cats kept as pets in the 1970s were released due to licensing changes. 

Big cat expert Sharon Larkin-Snowden, who discovered Panthera DNA on a sheep's carcass in Cumbria in May of this year, posted the latest sighting reported to be by a couple in the group.

The post read: "Exciting news! We have had a few reports of a large black cat and her cub. Both look well and healthy. We now know her whereabouts (lair) and are setting up many trail cams in the vicinity in hope of capturing footage of mum and cub.

"Thank you to the lovely lady and her husband who contacted us and we promise to keep you and location confidential.

"Our aim is to protect these beautiful animals but also prove they are out there successfully breeding and are now part of our wonderful countryside. Time will tell."