Seal of approval for nature TV

The television show has a "soothing effect"

A pair of rescued seal pups are being made to feel at home by watching BBC television's sea series The Blue Planet.

The two harbour seals have been shown episodes of the nature programme at the Norfolk sanctuary where they are being nursed.

Workers at the Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary in Hunstanton have said the pair have been hooked since a television was put in their pen.

Kieran Copeland said: "It was something we just wanted to try. Believe it or not they watch it quite regularly."

The pups, named Macaroni and Garganelli, were rescued on the East coast two months ago suffering from lung worms.

Harbour seals can be seen off the East coast

Sanctuary manager Nigel Croasdale believes the TV programmes will help the seals on the road to recovery.

"I got the idea after watching recent episode from the new Blue Planet series.

"The sights and sounds from sections featuring our coast will help familiarise the pups with the surroundings they'll actually experience when we release them back to the wild.

"They do appear to be watching and the films seem to have a soothing effect and also stop the pups getting bored while they are in hospital.

It is hoped the pups, which are both about four months old, will be released early next year.

The Blue Planet, which is narrated by David Attenborough, took five years to film and includes some scenes of underwater life never seen before.