PLAYFUL seals delighted rowers out enjoying the sunshine in Poole Harbour.

These enchanting photographs show two seals playing around the boat, one resting its head on the oar while the other puts its flipper on the boat.

They were taken by members of Poole Amateur Rowing Club, Dave Ridout and partner Michele Taylor who had rowed out to the islands in the morning.

“We have seen four out there in the past but there were two this time,” said Michelle. “We spent 45 minutes with them and every time we went to row away they came alongside us.

“They just wanted to play. It was stunning. It made my day.”

Julie Hatcher, marine awareness officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust, identified them as harbour seals, smaller than the grey seal.

“I have heard of people seeing them in Poole Harbour before and sometimes they do seem quite playful,” she said. “Specially juveniles and females tend to be a lot more interactive. I have dived with seals – not in Dorset – and they do come up and grab your flippers sometimes.”

“If anybody sees a seal, and can take good quality photos without getting too close or disturbing it, we would love to receive them,” said Julie.

Email pictures to kimmeridge@dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk