A nine-year-old boy has discovered an ancient fossil, believed to be 200 million years old, on a Welsh beach.

The fossil was discovered on Llantwit Major beach, in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales.

Eli was walking the beach with his family when he made the discovery.

Eli’s dad, Glenn Morris, told Sky News: “The giant ammonite fossil has been approximately dated at 200 million [years].”

Ammonites were shelled marine creatures that died out about 66 million years ago.

Mr Morris said “it’s a very rare find due to its preservation”.

The National History Museum in London has congratulated Eli on his find and told him to “keep up the good work”.

Wales tourists could pay extra fee for overnight stays as Welsh government pushes ahead with tourism tax plans

Welsh council closes road for £6,500 clean-up after drivers throw rubbish from vehicles

Former Cardiff teacher jailed for downloading nearly 5,000 indecent images of children

“Growing up Eli has always been interested in all rock formations and unique looking items,” his dad added.

“When we are out walking he fills his pockets, and often mine, with his finds, takes them back and puts them on display at home.”

This was the first time Eli and his family had visited Llantwit Major and Mr Morris said it is one they will remember for some time.

Read more:
Wales tourists could pay extra fee for overnight stays
Welsh council closes road for £6,500 clean-up after drivers throw rubbish

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

“This was the first time visiting Llantwit Major as a family and definitely one of the most memorable walks,” Mr Morris said.

“He [Eli] has a very keen eye for details and loves the different colours and textures of all rocks.

“The larger fossil remains at the site but he took the smaller items home to add to his collection.”

Related posts:

New rail pass and vouchers for tourist attractions part of tourism recovery plan Murder accused signed note in his own blood of pact with devil to ‘win lottery’, trial told How the England and Italy players rated in the Euro 2020 final ‘It starts at the top’: PM’s burka comments highlighted amid condemnation of football racism Hospital admissions could peak at 1,000 to 2,000 a day during COVID third wave, scientists believe Government U-turn over water firms dumping raw sewage after fierce backlash British soldier killed at the battle of Ypres finally laid to rest more than 100 years after his death Second Cabinet minister suggests tax cut should be brought forward ‘when we can afford it’ More warm weather on the way as temperatures may hit 23C on Saturday Man charged with murder over fatal stabbing on London bridge ‘It’s really worrying’: Hundreds of community pharmacies ‘could close due to rising costs’ Man accused of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel ‘lay in wait’ for intended target, prosecution says