RECEPTION pupils at Burton Bradstock Primary School had an unexpected and exceptional learning experience when they met George the seal.

The children were on their weekly ‘welly walk’ around the village, they went to Hive Beach and found a live seal on the beach.

Reception teacher, Claire Procter said: “We are used to finding lots of things to learn about each week in the hedgerows, fields, gardens and streams within easy reach of the school.

"But this was a very rare occurrence and one which took us all by surprise. We had lots of questions and it was fascinating to learn from the experts who were arriving and from our research when we returned to school.”

The National Coastwatch Watchkeepers, Mary and John Tassell, notified the RSPCA about the seal and were directed to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

Gavin Parsons, director of the BDMLR, arrived to assess the animal and informed the NCI that the seal had come ashore to moult and this was natural behaviour. Superficial scratches were photographed and forwarded to marine vets who said there was no need for concern.

NCI station manager, Judi Gifford was notified and arrived to help Mr Parsons keeping the general public and their dogs at a safe distance.

Jodie Martinez said her husband Ramon, who works at The Hive beach cafe, sent her a picture of the seal and she came down with their two-year-old daughter Betty Isla.

Mrs Martinez said: "We thought it would be somethings a bit different for my daughter to see. It was a big surprise it is not something you expect to see on Dorset beaches. I didn't think it was alive. My mum has a beach hut on Portland and a few times you've seen them washed up. He didn't look alive from a distance but he was rolling and having a scratch every now and again. It was just brilliant to see.

"I have lived in the Caribbean and never seen anything quite as unique on the beach."

The seal was identified as a solitary male grey seal around three to four years old and was more than likely to be the one that, over the last two years, had been observed by the Coastwatch, searching for fish in nearby submerged rocks and had already been given the name George by Judi..

George remained on the beach all afternoon and much to the relief of the concerned onlookers, entered the sea at 6pm and headed south.

Mr Parsons said George might reappear and people should keep a very safe distance, not attempt to touch or manoeuvre the seal into the sea and keep all dogs on a lead.

A future presentation by Gavin on Marine Life and Rescue is to be arranged by the NCI and will be open to the general public with all proceeds going to the NCI Lyme Bay Charity.