A seal pup with a face injury has been taken to the vet after being rescued from a Kent beach.

A passerby discovered the distressed animal in Whitstable this morning and alerted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

Resident Wesley Baker, who took snaps of the rescue as it happened, heaped praise on the charity.

“My daughter, Arabella Baker, has recently completed her training as a marine medic and called her colleague Jez Stone, who was the senior in charge of this rescue,” he said.

“Myself and my wife were also at the beach to make sure no loose dogs or people interfered while the professionals were are work as we live very close.

“After a successful capture and close inspection of the seal pup it was decided it would require medical attention and was then captured by Jez with Arabella providing assistance and making note of injuries. Together they secured the pup safely.

“It was then transported to a veterinary in Thanet where it was monitored and inspected.”

He added that the seal will recover and is on its way to RSPCA Mallydams Wood in Hastings.

“The good news is the seal pup will make a full recovery eventually, and had sustained a trauma to its face and a severe infection that was being treated,” he said.

“It is a happy ending to a sad beginning, and I think it is nice to know a good result will happen.”

Mr Baker added this was his daughter's first live rescue having trained last autumn, and Jez has been doing this for 15 years.

“BDMLR is an important charity to local marine life,” he said.

“They are a fantastic team who work hard in tough conditions often with no warning.

“But it is important for people to know that they should never approach a seal on the beach in any circumstances. They should inform the BDMLR as soon as possible via the rescue hotline or online.”

The number for the hotline is 01825 765546.