ADORABLE seals were the centre of attention for those taking the trip of the year on the Piel Ferry.

Sunday saw the first seal trips of the year - and there were hundreds of the creatures to be seen.

Piel Ferry owner Paul Wilcock said trip-goers were 'over the moon' at the sight of the South Walney Nature Reserve residents.

He said: "Three trips went out to see the seals on Sunday at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

"Yesterday we had two groups of 11 and one group of six so 28 people all together.

"We keep a distance from the shore as to not to disturb the seals. It's a lot better to see the seals from the sea.

"Last April there were over 800 seals. They have a special wildlife drone to count them and they were pupping towards the end of the year so there'll be a lot more of them now.

"Everyone was over the moon. Lots of people ask if they will see any seals and they don't believe you when you say how many there are until they see it for themselves."

The January boat ride was a rare treat for guests, with seal trips not usually starting until April due to the ferries being out getting ready for the summer.

However this year they kept one boat running due to being asked to keep watch over the pub on Piel Island as the hunt for the new king or queen of the island continues.

Paul is expecting another busy year for Piel Ferry's following a boom in visits last summer.

He said: "We were quite busy last year with the seal trips because of lockdown and the rise of staycations.

"Recently there have been lots of people messaging the Facebook page about it.

"Lots of people last summer described it as the best attraction that they had been to and said that it's something different from the zoo or going abroad and seeing a dolphin show."

The trips, which usually last just under an hour, run from Roa Island and lets guests take in views from Black Combe to Blackpool.

For more information, search for Piel Ferry on Facebook.