PLAYFUL seals were spotted splashing about in the waves near Southend Pier.

Keen photographers snapped the marine animals on Friday afternoon and spotted about six playing together.

The mammals have been spotted near Southend’s world-famous pier various times in the past.

Echo Camera Club member Julie Linge-Smith snapped images of the playfyl mammals.

She posted: “Of the end of Southend Pier about 6 of them playing around.”

Her images show the spotted animal poking its head out of the water, showing off its long whiskers.

The pictures were a hit with 22 people liking or loving them on Facebook.

Visitors to the landmark are always delighted to see the sea-going animals.

Back in April last year, a cute seal was spotted catching the rays on Southend Pier.

The seal, at the end of the Pier slipway, was caught on camera by the Southend Pier and Railway team.

Earlier in spring last year two porpoises were also spotted off the pier.