Walkers on Peel beach on Sunday morning were surprised to come across this seal pup that was lying on the sand.

Our photographer Mike Wade took this photo of the seal pup on the beach.

Seals are often spotted around the island - but it’s unusual for them to be seen on one of the island’s most popular beaches.

Hundreds of seals populate the island, with two species that are protected under the Wildlife Act 1990 - the common seal and Atlantic grey seal, with majority of seals being spotted in Manx waters being grey seals.

The Manx Wildlife Trust has advised residents not to disturb seals, as often their mother will be in the water keeping a watchful eye on it.

Disturbances could affect the bond between the mother and pup, which could be abandoned.