VOLUNTEERS are being sought to take part in 'some fin' special.

The Durlston Dolphin Watch team is on the lookout for more people who are able to assist with monitoring dolphins off the Dorset coast.

The group was established in 1988 with volunteers monitoring the animals from the coast path between Durlston Head and Anvil Point.

From this viewing point, bottlenose dolphins can be seen up to a mile out at sea. Volunteers record numbers, size, markings, travelling direction, behaviour and formation.

Visitors to Dorset and residents on and off the water have recently shared their experiences with dolphins.

The Durlston Dolphin Watch team received 10 reports of dolphins being spotted in the area last month.

There are 25 regular dolphin watchers who give up to 30 hours per week to observe dolphins. Reports also come in from Coastwatch keepers at Peveril Point, St Alban's Head and Portland Bill.

Clear photographs of dorsal fins allows the group to identify individual dolphins. This includes a pod known as Benty, Nick, Spot, Bob and Lumpy.

The group is keen to hear about sightings via Facebook, email or via their website. Interested parties can even subscribe for Durlston dolphin text alerts.

Countryside ranger Paul Jones said: "Our band of dedicated volunteers regularly catch sight of passing dolphins but so have many visitors, including school groups and wedding parties.

"Reports from the public are vital to help protect these amazing creatures and ensure they continue to visit our coast."

Judith Lodge, a volunteer dolphin watcher of 21 years, said: "It is a bonus if we see dolphins as it is still a nice peaceful way to spend an hour watching birds and boats."

Julia Hatcher, Dorset Wildlife Trust's Marine Awareness Officer, previously told the Echo that a south west dolphin population existed between Dorset and Cornwall.

She suggested the population would split into smaller groups of three or four, or slightly larger groups of around 20.

To find out more about Durlston Dolphin Watch and to offer your services as a volunteer, please visit durlston.co.uk/wildlife-and-marine-marine-marine-project-home.aspx