A LARGE seal took a long rest next to a nudist beach.

The animal was spotted on Brighton beach on Tuesday morning.

Thea Asplin Petersen took this picture of it, right.

She said: “I spotted the seal before the marina. Be careful with your dogs on the beach if they are off the lead.

“You ever know when

another seal might decide to appear.”

British Divers Marine Life Rescue was contacted to help the stranded animal.

Several hours later the seal, with help, returned to the sea and swam safely away after its well-earned rest on the pebbles. the British Divers Marine Life Rescue said.