A STRANDED dolphin was given a new lease of life thanks to two early morning walkers. The juvenile dolphin was spotted thrashing about in the surf on Teignmouth main beach at about 5am on Tuesday. Keen-eyed walker Chris Howell, 60, made his way down to the beach for a closer look and did all he could to calm the gentle creature. Mr Howell, who is partially disabled, pushed the dolphins nose into the water and wrapped his legs around him to stop him turning over in the waves. 'I was there for about 40 minutes and I stroked him and I was telling him it was going to be alright, 'It is funny why we do these things but he calmed down almost instantly and I could see in his eyes that he was quite receptive to the help I was giving him.' Thankfully, Mr Howell was soon joined by a regular dog walker on the beach. The unknown woman dashed to the aid of the dolphin and without even removing her shoes and socks lifted the dolphin just enough off the sea bed and walked with it into the waves. The dolphin then shot off into the sea 'like a rocket'. 'It was an absolutely wonderful moment and quite emotional really,' said Mr Howell. 'Both of us stood on the beach for a moment trying to take in what had happened. 'Both of us had our arms around the dolphin. it is such a beautiful creature and it is just wonderful to think that we helped save its life,' he said. Dolphins have been spotted in the bay on a number of occasions and the majestic animals draw quite a human following.
