THE Hereford Times can reveal that a seal was spotted in the county at the weekend.

Social media went into a frenzy after the mammal was apparently seen in Symonds Yat.

A picture of the seal was shared by Dougal Ziegler (below) and the Ye Olde Ferrie Inn pub.

However, initial pictures were inconclusive, with some people believing it to be a dog.

But, Richard Harrington, from the Marine Conservation Soicety, based in Ross-on-Wye, confirmed that it was a an adult grey seal.

And, if anyone was still in any doubt, Dan Waters' picture - taken in Monmouth - shows the seal in full view.

"The shallower stretches of the Wye south of Monmouth would usually be a barrier to it getting here, but it shouldn't have a problem getting back to the Severn estuary with the flow of the river," said Richard.

"It is definitely a rare event, although seals do explore up river, foraging for food."