Swimming and diving around early morning surfers, a friendly dolphin was an exciting school holiday attraction at Austinmer Beach last week.

A reader sent the Mercury this video, taken before the crowds descended on the popular beach.

The footage shows the dolphin swimming around and underneath a group of about eight surfers for about two and half minutes, .

The reader said most people were sensible around the mammal and did not try to touch it.

Apparently a dolphin has been turning up regularly at both Austinmer and Thirroul beaches in recent weeks.

Have you experienced a dolphin swimming near you? Have your say in the comments section below.