More volunteers are being recruited to help rescue a growing number of whales, dolphins and porpoises washing up on UK shores.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which specialises in the rescue and protection of marine wildlife, says extra volunteers are needed to assess, give first aid and refloat stranded animals.

Director of welfare and conservation Dan Jarvis said: “There is a general upward increase in recent years of strandings around the UK, and we’re also getting busier - particularly after winter storms.”