THESE stunning photos show a seal that was spotted enjoying the sunset on the beach.

Myles Ball, who lives in Preston Park, came across the animal on the beach near Hove Lagoon during a photoshoot with a couple.

Upon spotting the seal, he could see the animal rolling around on the beach.

The 30-year-old said: "We were all at the beach, and the sun was just about to go down, and this guy came over to us and said that he thought there was a seal on the beach.

"We went and checked it out, and from where we were it looked like someone was lying on the beach. He was a big boy.

"He was bigger than the man I was taking pictures of, and he was over six feet tall.

"He looked happy and was rolling over, so we thought we would just take some pictures and leave him to it.

"It was a special moment, I could have stayed there for ages. It was lovely, I have done quite a bit of animal photography before, but when it is in your back door, and it is a big seal like that, it was amazing."

Myles and the group made sure not to get too close to the animal and left him in peace.

Thea Taylor, Sussex Dolphin project lead, said: "Both Common and Grey Seals can be seen across the Sussex coastline, this is an adult male Grey Seal.

"They regularly haul out on beaches to rest. This is part of their normal behaviour and a seal on a beach does not necessarily require human assistance. It will return to the sea when it is ready.

"If you see a seal on land, please stay back, do not approach the animal and keep children and dogs away. Never encourage a seal back into the water. It has sought out dry land for a reason and chasing it back into the sea will not help it.

"However, if you have concerns about the welfare of a seal, such as signs of injury, entanglement, malnutrition or ill health, such as coughing, sneezing or rapid breathing, please contact rescue organisations such as the RSPCA or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue who will be able to assist."