It is a hummingbird moth no doubt.

It is a hummingbird moth- Macroglossum stellatarum. It seems that these moths are now holding their own in the UK with climate change and are beginning to breed in situ. Before, they would migrate across the channel from the warmer climes of Europe but could not over winter in the UK, until now. I have noticed other GOY members mentioning sightings of the hummingbird moth in the short time that I have been a member of GOY. If you live in the central or northern part of the UK, you have seen a migratory moth. If you live in the southern part of the UK there is a good possibility that you have seen one that has overwintered in the UK and is now breeding in that region. I noticed that you are from Lancaschire so most likely this one flew over the channel or even perhaps flew north from its new breeding grounds in the south of the UK---interesting. I might add that they are a common site in my garden here on the middle east coast of the USA.

I'm not surprised if they overwintered this year, we didn't really have a winter, Loosestrife, but most years, they get killed off if they try to breed. Regularly seen here though, they migrate every year from Europe and can be seen June through September. I've never actually seen one though...

thanks very much for your speedy reply I will look forward to spotting some more.