Photographs of a large seal apparently bathing in the waters of the River Wye at Symonds Yat at the weekend, which appeared on social media, soon had many of our readers engaged in a fierce debate. Many questioned whether the pictures were genuine and suggested that they had been 'photoshopped'. Others asked if a seal could survive in freshwater.

The first sightings the Gazette became aware of were at Ye Old Ferrie Inn at Symonds Yat at lunchtime on Saturday, February 8th. But a video taken by a member of Monmouth Boys School Rowing Club clearly showed the seal in the Monnow, this was taken at about 8.45am on the same day.

Robin Fletcher, a former member of Ross Rowing Club, who teaches at the school, was with the sixth formers while they were land training in their boat house when the seal was spotted. At first Mr Fletcher insisted it had to be an otter but when he took a closer look he said:?"You could clearly see it is a seal and he seemed to be playing for the camera."

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.