DAVID Beckham may be wowing the crowds in Japan but Wyre Forest has it own star footballers - and they perform poolside.

West Midland Safari Park's four seals have been showing off skills taught to them last year by trainer Peter Montague when the foot and mouth outbreak closed the attraction.

Fourteen-year-old South African fur seal Sharna and her three pals have been performing for up to 600 people four or five times a day since the new £250,000 sealion theatre opened last month, replacing an old pool.

Their repertoire of backward somersaults, ball tricks and playing the trumpet has been supplemented during the World Cup with their unique footballing skills.

"Their ball control is second to none," said Mr Montague. "Their favourite trick is to flip it up about 8ft in the air with their tails and then use their heads to nod it into the net."

l Seal of achievement: Peter Montague is pictured looking on as Sharna hits the high notes.