A young grey seal, found without her mum on Whitesands beach, is being rehabilitated by the RSPCA.

The pup, thought to be about 24 hours old, was discovered on August 22, and is the first of the season to be found in the area.

"She was what we call a 'white coat' as she had all her fluffy white fur coat as she was so young," said RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West.

"She was struggling in the surf of the sea, which is unusual. Sadly there was no sign of mum, and some dogs on the beach had become interested in the pup."

The seal was first picked up by Terry Leadbetter and John Beavis from Welsh Marine Life Rescue. They assessed her and gave her rehydration fluids before passing her into the care of the RSPCA.

She has now been taken into the RSPCA's West Hatch wildlife centre for rehabilitation where she will remain for some months until ready for being released back into the wild.

RSPCA officers added that, although this pup was obviously in distress, not all lone seal pups have been abandoned.

Members of the public who find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress should first monitor from a safe distance for 24 hours. They are advised not to touch seal pups and keep dogs and other animals away from them.

If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or the pup seems sick or injured, it can be reported to the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.