Lobster is not just for Christmas

Eddie the pet lobster has proved a hit with regulars at his owner's local pub.

Nick Allford, of Southwick, Wiltshire, bought the crustacean as a Christmas present for himself.

"When I mentioned in the pub that I was getting a lobster, they said I must be drunk or insane, but when I introduced him, they were intrigued.

"He's developed a fan club," said Mr Allford, who plans to buy a female so they can breed. Progress will be charted via a web site.

It also appears that Eddie has developed a winning streak.

"I bought him £20 of raffle tickets in the local pub draw and he won seven prizes - biscuits, Turkish delights, diaries, beer and a lemon," the proud new owner said.