'Christ-like' shell to go on sale

Mr Brandi says he is convinced of the resemblance

A bar manager in Switzerland has announced plans to sell an oyster shell resembling the face of Jesus Christ, according to local media.

Matteo Brandi, 38, may hope to repeat the success of a Florida woman who sold a piece of toast said to bear an image of the Virgin Mary for $28,000.

The Italian said he had found the shell, whose contents have since been eaten, in a batch two years ago.

The oyster stuck to his hand as if God was calling him, he said.

Mr Brandi, who describes himself as a devout Catholic, told Switzerland's Le Matin newspaper he had kept the shell on top of the bar's stereo after he found it.

This piece is unique - it is the work of nature, it is neither grilled nor cooked. Matteo Brandi, owner of oyster shell

He has now given it to a bank for safe keeping.

He became aware of its potential value only after hearing of the Florida sale.

"This piece is unique," he told the newspaper. "It is the work of nature. It is neither grilled nor cooked. I shall try my luck over the internet."

Diane Duyser caused a stir last November when she put her unusual piece of cheese-on-toast on the eBay auction website.

The toast, which Ms Duyser said had brought her great luck over 10 years, was sold to an internet casino within days.

The item received more than 1.7 million hits.