A GREY seal has been saved after he was found on a beach with a frisbee-style dog toy embedded in his neck blubber.

The RSPCA and Scarborough-based Sea Life were called to Ravenscar on Sunday evening after receiving reports that a seal pup had been spotted with something caught around its neck.

They discovered the seal with infected wounds where the toy had become stuck around its neck.

RSPCA animal collection officer Leanne Honess-Heather said: “We had been told that it was a small seal pup with green plastic caught round its neck, so just two of us attended the scene initially.

“But when I arrived at Ravenscar beach with seal expert Todd German from Scarborough’s Sea Life centre, we could see the grey seal was a young adult and was behaving aggressively.

"He had a frisbee dog toy stuck tight round his neck which had cut into his flesh and caused an infection.

"It was clear we would need more pairs of hands to safely rescue the stricken creature, so additional reinforcements from Sea Life - Jordan Woodhead and Leo - arrived with a special stretcher.

“The guys were able to secure the large injured seal in the stretcher and then carefully cut the frisbee off the poor animal. The plastic ring had given the seal a nasty neck wound, which was cleaned then treated. We judged that the injury would now heal by itself, so we released the seal, which made a quick dash for the sea.

“I would like to thank the Sea Life guys who assisted me in their own time and did an amazing job.”

The RSPCA has been called to deal with many marine animals injured by litter around Britain’s coasts. To help reduce the problem, the animal charity held a marine clean up weekend in the Scarborough area last month.

RSPCA officer Leanne Honess-Heather added: “We frequently see wildlife with the most appalling injuries caused by carelessly discarded litter. By removing this marine debris as well as encouraging others to dispose of their litter appropriately, we hope we can make a really positive impact on the welfare of wildlife around our shores.”

If you see an animal you have concerns about, phone the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999.