Seals gather to moult their worn-out winter fur on stretch of Norfolk beach

More than 2,500 grey seals have gathered on a beach to moult their worn-out winter fur and grow new sleek coats.

The blubbery mammals, at Horsey in Norfolk, cluster together to conserve heat during the annual process which begins around two to three months after breeding.

Their fur, alongside their blubber, acts as insulation and as waterproofing, and makes them streamlined while swimming.

But seawater and parasites take their toll on a seal’s fur, and it is renewed annually.

The moult tends to start in February, continuing until April as early and later moulting seals overlap, according to the Friends of Horsey Seals group.

If a seal feels uncomfortable at the approach of people or dogs, they may head into the sea before the moult is complete and get dangerously cold.

Getting too close can also be dangerous for people as seals are wild animals with sharp teeth, Friends of Horsey Seals cautioned.