Claims that Dave the Dolphin has returned to the Kent coast have been quashed.

Jason Carter, of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said there was no evidence to suggest Dave was back - although he had also heard stories.

Dave was a popular tourist attraction along the coast between Folkestone and Hythe. The dolphin, who is female, made a home at a rock groyne in Seabrook in April 2006. She was last seen in November 2007.

During her time in Shepway, Dave suffered several injuries from boat propellers and fishing line. Also two men were prosecuted for trying to swim with her.

Mr Carter said: “There is a history of dolphins being spotted along the Kent coast and pods have been spotted a long way off shore, but we have no evidence to support the theory that Dave is back. We don’t know where she is.”