Press reporter Jeremy Small was on the hunt-down for the seal-ebrity today and came within metres of what may have been the legendary creature.

The seal settled near the bank of the River Wharfe in Tadcaster at lunchtime, with media crews and dozens of bystanders eager to catch a glimpse of the animal.

Mr Brian White, 46, of Tadcaster, said: "I'd been looking for it myself - it could be the same seal. Now the water's come over the top of the weir, there's nothing to stop it going further up the river."

Jeremy began his search for Sammy after the RSPCA were alerted this morning to the presence of a seal on the bank near the weir.

Last night, The Press tried to track down a seal possibly Sammy reported to be in distress in the same area.

But it seemed to be content and stole away into the night, leaving unanswered questions as to its identity.


* Check out Thursday's Press for a full report and pictures.