A well wisher called the Gweek Seal Sanctuary last week as they were concerned about Nelson's eye - Nelson of course being Looe's one-eyed resident seal who has been coming in and out of the harbour with the tide for more than 20 years.

The Harbour Office received a call from the the Sanctuary and informed them that Nelson has had only one eye all the time he has been visiting Looe and he seemed to be in as robust health as ever and is fed daily with a box of fish by quayside workers.

However, repre-sentatives from Gweek decided to come and check for themselves and said that Nelson needed an antibiotic injection to clear up a mild infection in the eye and an overall check up.

A Gweek vet was in diving gear and preparing to jump into the river with Nelson, when Acting Harbourmaster Danny Webb advised him against the idea, saying the action could cause the 'old timer' a heart attack, and that he could be dangerous as he was territorial and would strike out if felt threatened.

All was resolved when a nice fat mackerel, Nelson's favourite treat, and this time injected with an antibiotic, was handfed to him.

Nelson is well loved up and down the coastline from Looe to Falmouth where he has been a popular attraction popping in and out of the various ports, but now getting on in years his travelling days seem to be over, and it looks as if he has chosen Looe as his permanent retirement home.