This young male Harbour seal was rescued from the beach last week, and named Sunny, by staff at Winterton Seal Hospital. He was found with several injuries and underweight.

A charity Beach Ride was held on Sunday for riders and their horses in aid of the hospital. More than a dozen horseriders took part, setting off from the hospital in Somerton Road, and passing along quiet lanes to the beach and back again.

The organisers, Lisa Doylend and Amy Clarke, were pleased with the turnout considering the inclement weather, raising much-needed funds for the seals.

The Seal Hospital would also like to remind any beachgoers to keep animals and themselves away from any seals they may come across on the beaches. If a seal is abandoned, injured or resting, please do keep an eye on it from a sensible distance and contact the hospital on 07585 164014. Above all, do not pursuade the seal back into the sea as this could prevent its survival.

The hospital is also appealing for unwanted, clean towels of any size to use for the seals.