Grey seal found stranded on a West Kirby beach yesterday

A grey seal found stranded on a West Kirby beach yesterday was collected and taken to wildlife centre in a joint operation involving the RSPCA, but he sadly did not survive.

The seal, who weighed 100kg, is thought to have been stranded on the Hilbre Island beach after recent stormy conditions and rough seas.

Four RSPCA officers, members of the coastguard and a Hilbre Island ranger assisted with the rescue, which involved getting the seal into a trailer. Pig boards were used to persuade and guide the seal up the ramp.The seal was then taken to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire, where sadly his health deteriorated and he died a few hours later.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: