Seal spotted 40 miles away from sea in St Ives

A seal has been spotted in a river 40 miles (64km) away from the nearest coastline.

Nathaniel Gore, 33, was walking near his home in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday when he spotted the mammal splashing around in the water.

"I've heard stories of seals being found inland before and he seemed perfectly happy so I wasn't too concerned," he said.

"I stopped for about 20 minutes and he seemed to be enjoying the attention. He was splashing around in the water and sunbathing by the side of the river.

"I was able to get within three feet and it was a great sight to stop and enjoy."

In 2013 a seal was found 50 miles (80km) from the sea in Fen Drayton Lakes, near St Ives. It is believed the animal swam along the Great River Ouse from Norfolk.