Lewes the seal 'staying to play'

The seal vanished overnight and then reappeared in the water

A seal that swam inland up the River Ouse on Tuesday vanished overnight but came back to play on Wednesday.

Lewes - named after the first town he chose to visit - sparked a rescue bid after he was spotted by a dog walker.

It had been thought Lewes swam back to sea but he reappeared in the River Ouse and showed no sign of leaving. He visited Newhaven on Wednesday.

Experts who have monitored Lewes during his stay said: "He seems to be having fun and playing a lot."

Walkers and river users have been asked to ensure they do not disturb the adult harbour seal.

Rescue divers were called on Tuesday when the seal was thought to be injured or ill, but photographs were taken with a camera phone and emailed to a vet in Devon who confirmed that Lewes was healthy.

Lewes swam into the river and then back to the slipway several times on Tuesday.