CONCERN is growing for Dave the dolphin as the animal has not been seen for almost three weeks.

It is the longest period that Dave has not been spotted since arriving in Shepway in April 2006.

It was thought Dave, who is female, was seen in Dunkirk, but the sighting turned out to be a different solitary dolphin.

It is hoped Dave has moved to follow fish stocks and that she will return to a spot near Seabrook where she has been thrilling the crowds with her ducking and diving.

Jason Carter, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), said: "The good news is that we haven't had any reports of a body being washed up.

"I don't think she's died - I'd be very upset if she has. She's probably just moved on. But I am a little bit worried and it is a concern.

"We have been looking out for her in Folkestone and Hythe as we normally do, but also all the way from Dover to Rye. Previously, the longest Dave has ever been missing is a week and a half.

"But we can’t draw too many conclusions from this as we know very little about solitary dolphins and their behaviour, although they do usually turn up again at a favourite place."

Last month, Dave was treated with antibiotics to prevent an infection setting in after part of her tail was chopped off by a boat propeller.

BDMLR has been looking out for Dave after people began trying to swim with the dolphin and started to harass the animal in boats.