A CLOSE eye is being kept on a solitary dolphin who has been living off the coast of Kent.

Two weeks ago Dave the dolphin - who is female - was given antibiotics after suffering a serious wound to her tail, which was caused by a boat propeller.

Vet Iain Cope, of the Burnham House veterinary surgery and Jason Carter, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said Dave has responded well to the medication.

Mr Carter said: "Dave is feeding well and behaving normally. She’s been extending her range, rather than staying in the same spot and is now going from Dover to Dymchurch, although she keeps coming back to her usual spot.

"She could be moving further afield due to the weather or fish stocks, we don’t know, but it is encouraging to see.

"We have a dedicated team of medics looking out for her who have been brilliant and the concern from members of the public has been overwhelming.

"All we can do now is keep an eye on her."

Dave came to Folkestone around 18 months ago and set up home near a rock groyne at Seabrook. Lately her favourite spot has been near to the Sandgate Hotel where she has been entertaining crowds with her ducking and diving.