Seal rescue experts at Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary have got their hands full with their latest casualty - a fluffy white grey seal pup weighing a heavy 32kg.

Sanctuary staff suspect the huge youngster, found at Holkham Beach, was separated from her mother by a recent tidal surge which saw flood warnings issued in King's Lynn.

Christened with the very seasonal name of Snowball, the pup is fighting fit in every respect bar an infection in her left eye.

'She may actually have been lucky to get lost and end up being rescued,' said animal care team member Holly Stallworthy.

'She would undoubtedly have lost her eye if the infection was not treated, but now there's a good chance we can save it.'

Snowball is the first casualty of the winter grey seal breeding season to arrive at the sanctuary, and staff are hoping the mild weather continues and there are not too many more.

'Grey seal pups are just 11 or 12 kilos at birth and only keep their fluffy white coats for three weeks so Snowball has almost tripled in weight in under three weeks,' added Holly.

Provided she responds well to treatment, Snowball will move outdoors to join resident common seals Sally, Amber and Tyne in three weeks, and should be ready to go back to the wild in February.