The RSPCA was called to rescue two seal pups after they became stranded on two Kent beaches.

The charity had reports from concerned passers-by after one of the young creatures was spotted struggling in the surf on the beach off Palm Bay Avenue.

A team from the nearby RSPCA Thanet branch rescued the young male, thought to be just a few months old, and he was taken to Mallydams Wildlife Centre in Hastings, East Sussex, for rehabilitation and care.

He is now recuperating but it is too soon to say how he will recover as he is still tired and quiet after the ordeal.

A week before, another poorly female grey seal pup was rescued from St Mildred’s Bay in Westgate by staff at the organisation and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

She was also taken to Mallydams, where she is now recovering well.

RSPCA inspector Claire Carter said: "It is difficult to know what caused this young seal to struggle - but it was clear he was exhausted and not coping with survival in the wild.

"Sadly it is this time of year when younger seal pups can be affected by bad weather because they are so vulnerable.

"It could just be that he is young and got separated from mum before he was able to cope, or it could be that he was struggling to cope in recent stormy conditions.

"Hopefully there is no underlying cause and he can make a strong recovery in our care so we can release him back to the wild when he is strong enough" - RSPCA inspector Claire Carter

"Hopefully there is no underlying cause and he can make a strong recovery in our care so we can release him back to the wild when he is strong enough.

"I would like to thank the people on the beach, who not only thought to call us to help, and were careful to keep themselves and their dogs away, but also helped us rescue this poorly pup.

"Just a word of caution to other people passing by seals like this however - where possible we recommend seal pups are left where they are found and monitored from a distance as their chances of survival are greater in the wild.

"If they are injured or underweight, however, then of course we urge people to call us on 0300 1234 999."