A LEIGH resident was pleasantly surprised to see a seal fishing for its breakfast while he was out on a morning walk.

Kevin Anderson was walking along Old Leigh when he noticed the cute little mammal swimming along, foraging for food.

He said: “I was out having an early morning stroll down Old Leigh, and given the coronavirus situation, I wanted to get out nice an early. So it was a lovely surprise seeing this little fella.

“Not exactly dolphins in the Venice canals but it was cool to see him doing a little fishing in the Leigh Creek.”

Seals such as this one, which appeared to be a common seal, also known as a harbour seal, are relatively common in Southend and other coastal areas, and are even known to be quite friendly. There are only two types of seal in the UK – the others being grey seals.