IT has been just over five years since a one-month-old seal pup was found washed up on Weston's seafront.

The baby seal was spotted around Marine Lake Causeway on the morning of October 29, 2018.

At 9am on the day, the pup was reported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

Beach rangers and divers worked to move the pup to another, more isolated area, since it was becoming "distressed" by all the attention.

Speaking at the time, a British Divers spokesperson said: “We have moved it somewhere a bit quieter as it was getting distressed by the attention.

“A local ranger stayed with it for a few hours to keep people away.”

In 2018, a North Somerset Council spokesperson added: “It was collected from the BDMLR at about 12.30pm.

“It was on the rocks and it was very healthy and not injured.

“The divers think it was a bit cold and was getting some sun.”

Whilst they look charming, it is important to remember that seals are wild animals. 

The Cornwall Seal Research Group Trust has issued some advice on what to do if you encounter a seal: "Seals are the largest land breeding mammal in the UK and can be very intimidating in the water.

"You do not need to fear a wild seal in the sea, but like dogs and horses if they sense anxiety, they are more likely to be mischievous!

"Aim to stay calm and move slowly to avoid spooking the seals and provoking a startled response."