Seal pup travels 500 miles north to Newcastle rescue unit after Cornish sanctuary is overwhelmed

A seal pup from Cornwall has flown around 500 miles to a Newcastle rescue unit, after bad weather put pressure on rescue facilities in the West Country.

Skittles was taken to the Aquarium rescue unit in Newcastle. He's one of many seal pups who have been separated from their mothers in the past months following stormy weather in September and October.

Dan Jarvis, from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said that rescue centres in the West Country were being filled up, forcing teams to look to national units for further support.

Luckily, Skittles was in the safe hands of friendly pilot, Graham, who flies the seals to safety for free.