By Christine Sexton »

PEOPLE have made the most of the festive season by going away, but it seems we are not alone.

Grey seals are also on their travels and have come to the Southend coast for shelter.

Wildlife watchers have been getting a treat after the seals, which usually inhabit the North Atlantic, were spotted off Chalkwell.

Strong easterly winds are behind a huge increase in the number of grey seals spotted off the coast.

Leigh fisherman Paul Gilson said: “We counted 43 one day, which is more than we have seen before. The strong easterly winds have made it unpleasant for them along the east coast. Seals can sleep on the seabed, but because of the winds they are rolled around so they have come in for shelter.

“They are lovely to watch and can become very tame. I used to have one that came up to the trawler and I would feed it by hand.”

Marine experts say the rough weather has taken its toll on seal numbers.

The RSPCA wildlife centre at East Winch in Norfolk, which takes sick or injured seals from Essex to Yorkshire, is dealing with an influx of orphaned seals. It has 44 pups and the numbers are expected to rise through January.

Centre manager Alison Charles said: “Our staff are working hard to care for the seals, especially when they first come in and are in isolation, as they need three-hourly feeds.”