A PAIR of seal pups which crossed the North Sea from Germany have been rescued.

Grey seal pup Matilda and common seal Augustus were both wearing numbered flipper tags when they were rescued by Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary within two weeks of each other.

Matilda was tagged on the island of Heligoland in December, and rescued from the North Bay, while Augustus was rescued from South Bay during February half-term.

Amy McFarlane, from the centre, said Matilda suffered bruising prior to her rescue, and had swum 376 miles, while Augustus had an infection, but had swum 335 miles to reach Scarborough.

Amy said: “It’s a bit of a worry that Augustus needed rescuing again soon after being freed. It’s last-chance saloon for Augustus, because if he ends up getting rescued again he would have to be given a permanent home.”