A piglet has been rescued after going for a dip in the sea in Suffolk.

The RSPCA was alerted to reports the baby pig was stuck at the top of a cliff above Covehithe beach.

By the time the charity arrived, the animal had scrambled down to the beach and, when officers approached, made a dash into the waves.

RSPCA inspector Jason Finch said: "I couldn't believe it when he darted straight into the sea like that.

"He was completely unfazed by the bubbling surf and started diving up and down among the waves for ages - upwards of 10 minutes. He became a tiny black dot in the distance and at one point I thought he was heading to France.

"I was just wondering whether I would have to dive in myself when he started swimming in the more shallow end of the surf, so I just ran in and grabbed him.

"He was safe and sound and in good health - in fact he did not even seem puffed out. Far fitter than many I know."

The piglet was returned to his owner immediately after the rescue on Sunday.

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