After weeks of swimming solo it appears that the Norfolk whale could have an underwater friend after a lifeboatman reported seeing two of the marine mammals.

Dick Thurlow, fisherman and former coxswain of Caister's independent lifeboat, said his crew spotted two whales at north Happisburgh and then a further sighting off Sea Palling on Sunday.

He estimates the whales were about four miles apart and feeding in the same tidal stream.

While he can not be sure they were both humpbacks, he is confident there is certainly more than one whale enjoying hearty meals off Norfolk.

'It was just unbelievable and unforgettable sight,' said Mr Thurlow.

The sightings could confirm the suspicions of Cromer fisherman Keith Shaul, who had a close encounter with a humpback whale when it came within feet of his boat two weeks ago.

• Videos, photos, graphics: Everything you need to know about the Norfolk Whale

Sixty-six-year-old Mr Shaul thought the original whale, dubbed Scroby Dick which was first spotted on October 29, was not alone.

He said: 'I can't see that they all swim around on their own, if there's food for one there's food for others.'

Have you seen Scroby Dick or his new friend? Contact lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk or sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk, call 01493 847961 or 01263 513160, or tweet @somerogers and @swyllie.