Satellite images show the area covered by vegetation has grown dramatically and is now 10 times larger than it was four decades ago and the rate of change is speeding up.

Parts of Antarctica are turning green more quickly than previously thought, leaving scientists “shocked” at the impact of climate change in the region.

The area covered by vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula is 10 times larger than four decades ago, a UK research team has said.

It means the 800-mile (1,300km) area in the northernmost part of the continent - could become vulnerable to invasive species as a result.