Tynemouth rescued seals Rosie and Boromir released into wild

The pair were released into the wild after being cared for by volunteers

Two injured seals rescued from the North Sea coast have been returned to the wild.

The mammals, named Rosie and Boromir by volunteers, were cared for by Tynemouth Seal Hospital after they were found hurt as pups in the summer.

Both are common seals, also known as harbour seals, although despite their name the grey seal is more prevalent.

The pair made their way back into the water close to St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on Saturday morning.

One seal was released by a schoolboy who had raised more than £1,000 for the hospital in September.

Boromir and Rosie were rescued as pups over the summer

The pair were kept away from visitors at the hospital - based at Tynemouth Aquarium - to avoid getting used to human contact.

Boromir was admitted weighing 11.4kg (25.1lb) after being rescued from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, and was treated for a mouth disease.

There are about 55,000 common seals in the UK, according to the hospital

His release weight was 32.5kg (78.2lb), with volunteers declaring he now "has a nice belly on him".

Rosie was rescued in Redcar in July weighing 10.2kg (22.4lb) and was released tipping the scales at 30kg (66.1lb).

Volunteer Sarah Parry said: "We suffered quite a few losses of common seals because of this disease but because of working with our vets we have had quite a few successes during this year and lots of releases.

"Common seals are more solitary than greys. It's possible they may spend some time together as young ones as they find their way."

The hospital has cared for more than 100 seals since it was established in 2017.

Volunteers reduce contact with the seals ahead of their release