The RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre is currently caring for a grey seal pup who was rescued after a plastic container seal became stuck around her neck, causing severe wounds.

The RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre is currently caring for a grey seal pup who was rescued after a plastic container seal became stuck around her neck, causing severe wounds.

The female seal, who has been named Travellers' Rest, was collected by RSPCA animal collection officer Jaqui Thorpe on Saturday March 7, from a beach in Low Hauxley, Northumberland.

The plastic ring was around the animal's neck and had been there such a long time that it had cut into her skin and the wound was infected.

The extent to which the seal was cutting in to the skin became clear when the plastic seal was measured at just 41.5cm - the seal's neck was 57cm in diameter.

The plastic must have been around the animal's neck for some time as she would have been born just before Christmas and grown with it around her neck.

Alison Charles, wildlife centre manager, is hopeful the seal will make a full recovery.

She said: “This is the third neck injury in as many months and shows the sort of damage that litter can do to all animals.

“The wound is all around the seal's neck and needs daily bathing. She is being treated with antibiotics and having pain relief, but she is a very feisty character and I hope she will recover well.”

The centre takes in approximately 150 seals per year from all around the country for treatment in the specialist seal rehabilitation unit.

The centre will be opening its doors for the public to see their work with seals and other British wildlife on Sunday, July 5.

This season's grey seals were named after pubs. Travellers' Rest was decided on to reflect her 230-mile journey to recovery.