An outbreak of a "zombie virus" is causing British caterpillars to march towards the sun, before exploding.

The 'baculovirus' changes the caterpillar's instincts to hide away from sunlight and forces them climb to the tops of plants.

Their bodies are then liquefied - causing them to burst and spread the bug to other insects.

The popped remains of several Oak Eggar moth caterpillars - a common variety in the UK and Europe - have been spotted across the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire.

Dr Chris Miller, mosslands manager for the Wildlife Trust in Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, said: "It's like a zombie horror film.