This stout fellow is in good health, despite its appearance.

Some may say this seal is far too fat but experts says it's in good condition, just "well fed."

This remarkable photograph was taken in Dover Western Docks when coastguards went to attend to the animal.

Folkestone Coastguard were called out on Sunday following reports that it may have been caught in a net.

They found him in decent condition and no action was needed to help it.

A Folkestone Coastguard spokesman said: "We found him basking in the sun with some sort of marking on his neck but looking healthy and feeding well with no cause for concern."

The team left port staff the telephone number of British Divers Marine Life Rescue in case there were any later worries.

KentOnline raised the point that members of the public may fear the seal is unhealthily fat.

But the coastguard team explained than one of its members was a marine medic with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team.

They consulted with other British Divers Marine Life Rescue medics and all agreed that the animal was still in reasonable condition.

The Folkestone Coastguard spokesman explained: "We don’t think it looks unhealthily large. It looks like a well fed adult common seal.

"Having consulted with other British Divers Marine Life Rescue medics we concurred he was fine, seen to feed and swim with no issues so we left him in peace."

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone