A WEAK and underweight seal pup which was found "in distress" in Lyme Regis is being treated in intensive care by the RSPCA.

The male seal, named Tenderheart by the team at the RSPCA's West Hatch Wildlife Centre, weighed just 17kg when he arrived on Sunday.

The seal was brought in by a British Divers Marine Life medic after being found on the shingle beach in Lyme Regis, up against The Cobb wall.

Following an examination from the RSPCA, Tenderheart was found to be very thin, weak and dehydrated - but is now getting strong, ready for release back into the wild later this year.

Paul Oaten from RSPCA West Hatch, who is caring for Tenderheart, said: “He had only been there for about an hour, which in normal circumstances isn't very long to monitor, but he was obviously in distress and in need of intervention.

“He’s receiving antibiotics twice a day to counter any infection that may be present, receiving fluids via stomach tube for rehydration and being offered fish."

He added: “At the moment he is in one of our intensive care pens but once he is self feeding and gaining weight he will move onto a pool.

"If all goes well then once he reaches a weight of more than 40kg, he will be released along with some other seal pups from this year."

Mr Oates offered advice to anyone who discovers a stranded seal pup along the coast.

He said: “This pup was obviously in distress but not all lone seal pups have been abandoned or are in need of help.

"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 children, 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.”