Sounds like it could be a wood wasp which I think loof fearsome but is harmless.

I wonder if you are seeing a Dragonfly? these come in this this colour Kirby's Dropwing are red/orange as well as blue ones etc.

take a look at this website did it look like this..

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/pictures/showphoto.php/photo/38923

We had one last year, have you just laid bark chippings as I had?

could it be a hornet? I've never seen one, but believe they are waspish only bigger.

Thanks to all!

in this hot weather we are getting african hornets that actualy hunt our natural hornet which are quit big in thereselves. it could be a late queen wasp/hornet looking for somewear to nest.

Many thanks I think you could be right, african hornet seems to fit the bill.

just a hint of orange to it looks like a yellow missile with black stripes. more like a small bird.i wouldnt say there more agressive but they got a serious sting to hunt eurpean hornets.luckily they cant handle the winter yet here so you only get the odd one.