GILBERT the whale still looks in good spirits despite fears for his welfare from conservation groups.

The latest pictures, taken by Daily Echo reader Nick Hopper, show Gilbert playing happily near Bournemouth pier at 2pm on Wednesday.

Keen photographer Nick took the pictures from the cliff top at West Overcliff Drive in Bournemouth.

The northern bottlenose whale seems to be in good health although experts feared he may become dehydrated feeding on small fish in the area rather than his usual diet of squid.

“In these situations usually the whales quickly deteriorate before beaching or getting stranded” said Trevor Weekes from British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

“But this is a very unusual case where Gilbert seems perfectly happy swimming and feeding so close to shore. We have yet to inspect him properly but the signs are positive – his breathing seems strong and he appears to be feeding well.”

RNLI lifeguard Nick “Gilbert” Smith spotted the whale during a patrol a few days ago.

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