A traditional stone structure, known as a cairn, has appeared on a beach in Thorpness.

Matthew Bayes was on a walk with his son when he stumbled across the cairn.

East Anglian Daily Times: Little is known about the origin of this particular cairn.Little is known about the origin of this particular cairn. (Image: Matthew Bayes)

He said: "We saw the stones from a distance whilst taking a stroll on the beach, something that's become regular exercise whilst I recover from numerous back operations. My son has autism and the beach keeps us both calm."

East Anglian Daily Times: Thorpness has seen a cairn on the beach previouslyThorpness has seen a cairn on the beach previously (Image: Matthew Bayes)

This is not the first time a cairn has made its way to the Suffolk village, however, little is known about the origin of this particular structure.

East Anglian Daily Times: The cairn drenched in winter sunshine.The cairn drenched in winter sunshine. (Image: Matthew Bayes)

Cairns have been used in modern times as landmarks but in history they have also been used as burial monuments, for ceremonial purposes as well as for use in ancient astronomy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Matthew and his son walk along the beach regularlyMatthew and his son walk along the beach regularly (Image: Matthew Bayes)