Extinct in the UK, and on the retreat in western Europe and Scandinavia, the species if prolific this summer in Tomsk and Novosibirsk.

Luciya wrongly given by maternity hospital to family in which she had to beg for food. 

When Darina was born 3 years ago without lips and a chin, her mother lost consciousness from shock, and soon her family disowned the child.

But seals prove more adept at undertaking polar missions, including potentially killing intruders, say experts.

Officially, Alexander I died of typhus aged 47 on 1 December 1825, but evidence suggests he faked his demise and lived as a holy man.