The poorly creatures have been found along the Kent and Sussex coast, with two washed up at Pett Level, and taken to Mallydams for some much-needed tlc.

Wildlife officer Richard Thompson said: "They are all juveniles, about a couple of months old, and were not doing so well.

"They have been separated from their parents and not been able to find food then washed up on the beach starving.

"Not all that have been brought in have survived. Some have been very sickly and emaciated.

"We try and improve their condition by giving them anti-biotics and feed them by stomach tube then start them on whole fish.

"They are currently eating about three kilos of fish a day, which costs about £5-6 per seal, and will soon be released into the wild."

Richard advised people not to pick up any seal cubs they find as they can carry diseases, but to call the RSPCA or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation.