Help identifying bee like insect?

[scarlettsdad]

Hi, this is my first post and I'm just hoping somebody can help me with this! This insect was in my house earlier, hopefully I have attached the pictures correctly. It was very large, a good 1.5 inches in length and made a very loud buzzing. I have to admit it was quite a scary beast, but impressive.
Since it was so big I though I would take a couple of photos before I let it out the door. Now I cannot seem to find anything that looks like it on the internet.
I live in a village in Dorset, close to a river if that helps. Can anyone identify this for me, I would be very grateful?

[Matt Smith]

Looks to me like a very dusty Hornet.

[scarlettsdad]

Thanks very much! I didn't consider it being dusty, I just assumed that was it's natural look.

I did see one of these before, last year, and my wife says she has also seen one where she works (a local pub), all looking exactly the same. Is there any reason why they would be so dusty?

Maybe I should have brushed him off before setting him free...

[eucera]

Definitely a Queen Hornet. I had one this morning in my Salisbury garden. They are very beautiful

[scarlettsdad]

Thanks! I agree it's a fantastic looking insect.