A GREY seal found stranded in a Greenock car park has been released back into the sea after being cared for in Clacks.

Dot-to-Dot was brought to the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross severely underweight on November 25 last year.

The animal welfare charity cared for him for three months and released him at Broughty Ferry last Thursday, February 20.

Steven Gray, manager of the Scottish SPCA Wildlife Rescue Centre, was thrilled that Dot-to-Dot was cared for in the Wee County before being released back into the sea.

He said: "Dot-to-Dot was only two to three weeks old when he came into our care.

"What made his story so unusual was that he had managed to get up the harbour steps, along the promenade and into the carpark.

"The fact Dot-to-Dot managed to negotiate these obstacles, especially as he was so young and underweight, was incredible.

"We suspect he became separated from mum, took to the water out of desperation and got swept back in by the current.

"It's likely that the Dot-to-Dot was exhausted, which is why he came up the harbour stairs and into the dangerous location.

"Thankfully, the Greenock police were able to assist and stay with him until we arrived and transported him to our National Wildlife Centre at Fishcross.

"He has thrived in our care thanks to the hard work and dedication of the staff in the seal unit and we're so happy to see him back in the wild where he belongs.

Anyone who comes across an injured or potentially orphaned wild animal should contact the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

The Scottish SPCA receives no government or lottery funding and donations are vital to help them investigate animal cruelty.

Visit scottishspca.org/support to find out more about how to donate.