After a marine biologist inquired whether the Ministry of Defence held records about "abnormally large or dangerous sea monsters hundreds of metres under the sea" that had not been revealed to the public, the Royal Navy stated it may hold records about possible sea monsters but it does not collect them centrally.

Sailors can note unusual sightings on the ocean waves in their ship's logs, the Navy said. But they are not required to do so and none of the information is assembled in a central archive devoted to sea monsters.

Any sightings of strange marine animals reported to the Navy by the public are passed on to the UK Hydrographic Office, which provides charts and other navigational services for mariners. (AFP)

Dressed to impress

The kilt is the most popular of the world's traditional garments, according to a poll.

Out of 2,034 people polled, 67 per cent voted for the kilt, with many women reckoning it looked "very attractive" on a man, the survey by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk found.

The Japanese kimono was second to the kilt in the international attire stakes, with Hawaiian grass skirts third.

The Mexican sombrero also proved popular with the 2,034 people polled, but 87 per cent reckoned German lederhosen was "very unfashionable", with only two per cent voting for it as their favourite.

In addition, 13 per cent believed the Beefeater attire best summed up English traditional clothing with 11 per cent going for the Tuxedo. (PA)

Ferret legging

A retired headmaster has defended his plans to raise charity cash by resurrecting a sport in which ferrets are placed down competitors' trousers.

Frank Bartlett described claims that the "ferret legging" contest in Whittington, Staffordshire, would cause distress to the animals as absolutely ludicrous.

Mr Bartlett, 67, spoke out after the fundraising event came under fire from James McKay, the director of the Derbyshire-based National Ferret School. (PA)

Roadside snip

A barber who lost his business when the economy slumped has set up shop at the side of a major road.

Father-of-two Ben Martin is cutting hair in a trailer parked in a lay-by off the A6 near Luton, Bedfordshire.

Mr Martin said he had a "eureka moment" while struggling to find work after his barber shop in Caddington, Bedfordshire, closed a year ago. (PA)

Female soldiers warned

Female soldiers have been warned to carry contraceptives while on the frontline after more 100 British servicewomen discovered they were pregnant in Iraq and Afghanistan during a six-year period, it was revealed yesterday.

Adverts published in the Army's official magazine Soldier urge female staff to use protection or risk "facing something you really don't want to hear" but a series of chat-up lines are displayed above a row of red lipsticks with text warning that "on deployment, there'll be 50 blokes to each woman".

Expectant mothers are not allowed to serve on the frontline, according to Army rules, so female soldiers are flown home if they fall pregnant.

Tory MP Patrick Mercer said unwanted pregnancies were "incredibly expensive for the Army". (PA)

'Must avoid' car

A BMW may be a "must have" car but many motorists see it as a "must avoid" vehicle on the road.

BMW owners were regarded as the worst drivers, a poll by used-car website Compucars.co.uk showed.

The biggest faults motorists found with BMW drivers were unawareness of others and a lack of concentration. (PA)

Winner claims jackpot

A UK ticketholder has come forward to claim the country's biggest lottery jackpot of £84.4 million (€99.3 million).

The winner could receive the bumper prize from Friday's EuroMillions draw today subject to validation, a spokesman for the National Lottery operator said.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the lucky ticketholder to our millionaires club which is already 2,400 strong," the spokesman said. (PA)