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Jenny Hobson receives a Points of Light award at RSPCA East Winch from North West Norfolk MP James Wild




A seal campaigner has been granted an award on behalf of the Prime Minister after campaigning to stop the sale of plastic flying rings.

Jenny Hobson has been presented with the Points of Light award by MP for North West Norfolk James Wild for successfully campaigning against the sale of frisbees – which have been harming seals across the Norfolk coast.

Before the campaign, seals were being endangered by the use of flying rings that were getting stuck around their necks, causing nasty wounds.

Jenny Hobson and North West Norfolk MP James Wild with the award
Jenny Hobson and North West Norfolk MP James Wild with the award

Jenny’s successful seal safety campaign helped to bring awareness to this and encouraged shops to stop selling this type of frisbee.

To further this campaign, Jenny sailed around the British Isles in 2022 to spread awareness of the dangerous impact the flying rings have had on seals.

The award was presented to Jenny at RSPCA East Winch by Mr Wild on behalf of the Prime Minister who, in a letter to Jenny said: “It is brilliant how you have taken an awareness-raising campaign right around the UK to highlight the impact of plastic toys on our wildlife.

Hades the seal at the RSPCA East Winch
Hades the seal at the RSPCA East Winch

“Thanks to you, shops and local businesses across Norfolk have stopped selling plastic rings. And you have encouraged your local councils to become the first in the country to ban the use of flying rings from their beaches in order to protect seals.”

Jenny also discussed her vital work, and how Norfolk councils have been the first in the country to ban plastic flying rings.

The award was given to Jenny in front of the seal pools where she met Hades, who is the latest rescued seal who is being treated by the RSPCA at East Winch.

Hades the seal at the RSPCA East Winch
Hades the seal at the RSPCA East Winch

Jenny said: “My hope is it will raise awareness of the plight of seals caught in lost and discarded plastic flying rings further and spread the message that we can all help the seals by only playing with solid frisbees on the beach – preferably biodegradable ones – and for shops not to sell them.”

Reporting by Willow Thornton



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