Loch Ness Monster 'is not extinct'

The president of the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club has said that reports of the creature's death have been greatly exaggerated.

Gary Campbell said that he was concerned until Nessie was spotted near the Clansman Hotel on June 6 last year, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Campbell said: "That's why were so relieved to have heard about this sighting. In June, when it was reported, nobody had seen anything for a year. If it hadn't been for that one, we would have been really, really worried.

"Ten years ago we had a lot of good sightings, but in the last two or three years, they have tailed off. What we regard as a dependable sighting is very much down to the person who sees it."

Of the suggestions that the famed monster had died, he continued: "If people start to believe this, it might start to affect tourist numbers.

"Whether you believe in Nessie or not, the Loch Ness Monster is one of the most important tourist attractions we have."

He added: "Perhaps, though, the answers are to be found underwater instead of on the loch's surface.

"Unknown sonar contacts happen all the time. Maybe Nessie is just keeping her head down."