GEORGE the dolphin, who was a popular sight off the Dorset coast a few years ago, is back.

Dorset Wildlife Trust marine wardens were called out on Thursday to identify the solitary bottlenose dolphin, measuring 10ft long and confirmed it was George.

Marine warden Emma Rance said "We are lucky to have such amazing animals in our waters."

Dorset Wildlife Trust stressed that, however friendly they may appear, dolphins are large and powerful wild animals and should not be approached. Dolphins are protected by law. It illegal for boats to approach them.

"Boat-users spotting a dolphin should immediately switch off their engine and allow the animal to approach them. If there are three or more boats around a dolphin you should move away."