Dolphins spotted having fun in the sun

A pair of dolphins were spotted swimming near Roker pier following glorious sunshine across the city.

Two dolphins were seen jumping in and out the water near Roker pier on Tuesday morning after Sunderland basked in warm weather over the bank holiday weekend.

Gill Helps was among those who managed to capture a sighting of the marine animals in Roker.

A flurry of dolphins were spotted in March after multiple sightings were captured in Seaham while a humpback whale was seen in Northumberland last February.

According to the RSPB, between 25 and 30 species of dolphin and whale can be seen in UK waters.

They like to take advantage of the quantity of fish and clean waters on parts of the coast, and are most often spotted in the summer months. The increase in numbers of dolphins seems to be down to the warm weather in the region.

Gareth He rn works for the Marine Management Organisation in Newcastle, he said: “As we get warmer weather it’s quite common for dolphins, porpoises and whales to visit English shores.”

He warned that people wanting to see the animals should keep a respectful distant so as not to disturb them.

Mr Hern said: “This offers a fantastic opportunity for wildlife watchers but it is essential that the health and well-being of the animals is considered at all times.

“Disturbance by boats and jet skis often causes stress and harm to dolphins, porpoises and whales, affectingtheir ability to feed, breed or nurture their young so it’s important that we keep our distance.”