A FAMILY of seals has been spotted swimming around in the River Mersey.

The group have been enjoying a dip in waters around Otterspool and rolling around on a nearby sandbank.

The seals are the latest in a line of sea creatures to be found in the river.

Roger Lamming of the Environment Agency for Merseyside said the return of fish to the River Mersey had attracted the seals.

He said: "Over the past three to four years we have seen the return of many diverse fish to the river, including salmon and sea trout.

"Some of these fish have weighed between four and five kilogrammes, which is a sign the water quality has improved dramatically in recent years.

"This group of seals are simply going where they know they will find food - but it is certainly not common to see them so far up the river.

"A few years ago we had an octopus in the river, which is further proof the river is improving."

Experts said that the seals could be part of a group often spotted off the Wirral coastline.

Roger Lamming added: "It is likely these seals are part of the group which can be spotted around Hilbre Island.

"As the number of fish returning to the river increases we are likely to see seals and other creatures swimming further up towards places like Warrington."

Wildlife expert Bob Hughes said over the past few years he had received a number of reports from members of the public who have seen seals in the Merseyside area.

He said: "The seals are Atlantic grey seals and look almost doggish around the face.

"They are extremely popular creatures and groups of them have also been seen at Formby Point.

"People are normally astounded seals are splashing around in the River Mersey, but as the water quality continues to improve they could see more of them."