Marra was moved from the harbour in a major rescue operation

Marra became a celebrity and tourist attraction when he had to be rescued from Maryport harbour in January.

Now he has been spotted more than 12 miles (19.3km) off the coast at Silloth and conservationists fear he could be tempted back to shallow water.

They are urging tourists to leave the mammal alone.

Laura Stansfield, a conservation officer with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, said: "We are asking people if they see him to steer clear and just watch from the land.

"This is because he could follow boats back to the harbour."

Flagging health

Marra, named after the local word for "mate", had to be rescued because of his flagging health in the cold marina.

A 100-strong crowd gathered to watch the operation which was also overseen by the police, the RSPCA and the RNLI.

There were a few sightings of Marra in the outer harbour not long after his rescue, but then he disappeared, only to reappear last week.

Trevor Weeks, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue who co-ordinated the rescue, said he was positive the dolphin spotted near Silloth was Marra, because of markings on his fins.