THE RSPCA has rescued a lost seal after it was found in a car park.

The young seal - aged around six weeks old - was found near the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Boathouse, Borth, Cardiganshire on 4 October.

RSPCA animal collection officer William Galvin was called to the scene where he found the young seal in a poor condition.

“The seal had a few injuries on his body and was very thin,” he said. “The pup had come up the beach over a car park, over a road and into another car park.

“There were no signs of parents looking for him.”

The seal has been taken into care for rehabilitation where he will be for some months until ready for being released back into the wild.

This pup was obviously in distress and had been injured, but not all lone seal pups have been abandoned. If you find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours. Please don't touch seal pups (as they can give a nasty bite) and keep dogs and other animals away from them.

If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or you think that the pup is sick or injured – please keep a safe distance and call our 24-hour advice and cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

A seal on a busy public beach (adults, children, dogs around or close to the seal) is likely to be sick or injured so please contact 0300 1234 999.

If you would like to help the RSPCA, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).