The Loch Ness monster has enchanted people for decades, and now scientists could be close to confirming whether or not it exists.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness

The legend has it that a huge creature lives in the Scottish body of water, and while the idea has captured the imagination there has been no proof that it's a reality.

However, scientists are looking to take DNA samples from the lake at more than 300 spots to see what really lurks beneath.

Amongst those researching the loch is Professor Neil Gemmell from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

As reported by Sky News, he said: ''I'm going into this thinking it's unlikely there is a monster, but I want to test that hypothesis.

''What we'll get is a really nice survey of the biodiversity of the Loch Ness.''

The samples will come from tiny fragments of DNA left behind by skin, feathers, scales and urine - and it will then be compared with that of known species.