Island seahorse drifts off course

A seahorse, which experts think drifted hundreds of miles from its breeding grounds in the Channel Islands, has been picked up by fishermen.

It was found off the Dorset coast and taken to Sea Life Park in Weymouth.

Staff have said it is the first time in four years they have seen a rare orange seahorse, which is said to be none the worse for its adventure.

Experts said the Channel Islands are ideal breeding grounds for seahorses.

Breeding hopes

Staff described it as a very brightly coloured specimen which makes it particularly rare.

They are planning to put it in a tank with a female in the hope they will breed.

There are two types of seahorse found in the Channel Islands.

One is a beige-brown colour, which is more common, the other is the rarer orange seahorse.