Photographer snaps gorgeous 'Neil the seal' swimming in River Wear near Victoria Viaduct in Washington

The animal was seen about a couple of hundred metres east of the Victoria Viaduct between Washington and Penshaw.

Your reporter was strolling past at around lunch time on September 19 when the seal bobbed up, looking quite pleased with itself as it was holding a huge salmon in its mouth.

Luckily photographer David Render happened to be around too and has kindly allowed the Echo to use his pictures. His camera had a long lens and he kept a safe distance away. Everyone is asked to do the same.

Children who were present were thrilled and even gave the seal a name; Neil. However, they admitted to uncertainty over whether Neil is a boy or a girl. We understand that Neil is a common or harbour seal, but will stand corrected if any reader knows better.

It’s hoped that the appearance of a seal is a good sign for the river.

In the past, seals have been spotted swimming upriver as far as Chester-le-Street.