A LYDBROOK restaurant had an unusual looking diner grace the premises – a seal.

The picture was taken at the Garden Café which, like most of the village, has been left underwater.

Owner Paul Hayes said: "All we could offer was a tin of sardines."

There was also another sighting of a seal in the village last Friday morning. Rowena Barr, of Lower Lydbrook, couldn't believe her eyes when the seal, which she named 'Valentino', arrived in her brook that joins to the River Wye.

She said: "I think he was washed up and looking for a rest away from the river which is obviously very fast-moving at the moment. It was most unusual but a lovely surprise."

There was a further reported sighting in Monmouth.

•MONMOUTH MP David Davies has claimed it will cost millions to repair storm damage infrastructure in the county.

Mr Davies visited areas affected by the recent bad weather last Thursday with the leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Peter Fox. The duo met with senior highway officials dealing with the aftermath of flooding, landslips and trees felled by severe gales.

"Landslides have been a particular issue, with at least half a dozen in Monmouthshire," said Mr Davies.

"These could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds each to clear and put right. On top of that, there has been other damage to roads and the clean-up operation following widespread flooding has been very expensive."

Calls are now being made to ensure Wales receives its fair share of money being provided by the UK Government for repair work.

"It is vital the Welsh government passes this cash on to local authorities," added Mr Davies, who pledged to raise the issue in Parliament.

Cllr Fox said: "The situation is serious but I pay tribute to council staff who have worked incredibly long hours to minimise problems.

"In Monmouth, the flood defence scheme has stood up well and I have been assured it is in no danger of being breached."