AN INCREDIBLE encounter showing a seal 'getting hugs' from a diver has surfaced online.

The footage shows Lee Chapman in the Firth of Clyde near Arran during a recent dive - and the curious seal comes up close for an inspection, curling its way through the water.

Lee manages to give the seal a hug with his flippers before the beautiful creature swims off.

The video has gone viral with thousands of views. and was shared by the popular Wreckspeditions facebook page.

They say: "Check out one of our divers giving cuddles to a curious seal while sitting on the seabed with his fins 

"The footage was captured south of the Holy Isle during our Arran trip with Aberdeen Sub Aqua Club BSAC 67.

"It's just cracking footage......we love it!"