The porpoise which died after being washed up on the Thanet coast has inspired two Westbrook residents to campaign for a local marine life sanctuary to be set up.

Chris Gregory and Kim Vincent contacted the Thanet Extra after seeing our moving photograph of the rescuers comforting the mammal, nicknamed Polly.

The pair, who helped out during the six-hour rescue on Wednesday, November 5, have already spoken to Thanet council leader Sandy Ezekiel and staff from the Thanet Coast Project.

They have also met with local headteachers and more than 270 people have signed up to the 'Marine Sanctuary UK’ group on the social networking website Facebook.

Kim, 24 , said: “When Chris and I found Poppy on the beach at Westbrook, we couldn’t believe there weren’t any sanctuaries in the area to help nurse her back to health.

“The chances of a porpoise or dolphin surviving start to decrease an hour or so after being washed up, so it’s really important they receive expert care quickly.

“We don’t know exactly where we could create the sanctuary, although we’d like it to be as close to Margate as possible.

“It’s early days yet but we’d like it to be an educational centre with touch pools that local schools could visit.”

Kim, Chris and Gillian Graham, who is a training to become a marine biologist, were due to meet Cllr Ezekiel on Wednesday (November 19).

He said: “They’ve certainly got some expertise and I’m sure it’ll be an interesting meeting. I personally wish them the best of luck.

“It’s possible we could combine the idea with the Sea Life Centre that we’re hoping to attract to Margate in the near future, as they already do some outstanding research work.”

Marine experts said that up to three porpoises are washed up on the Thanet coastline every year, although most are only discovered after they have died.

For more information about the campaign, visit http://20883.edicypages.com or join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42955833412