WHEN it came to throwing out old wellies, one man had a more creative idea.

It was time for Lyme Regis lifeboat crews to have a clear out and get rid of worn-out yellow wellies when long-serving RNLI volunteer, Garry Gibbs, stepped in.

Landscape gardener Garry took the used footwear home to his workshop and, eight hours and seven boots later, emerged with a dog-shaped model which will become a star attraction during lifeboat week this summer.

Garry, who has been a member of the lifeboat crew for 22 years, said: "A dog seemed the obvious answer to the recycling issue with the old wellies. I hope to make another animal when more old wellies become available.”

Now, organisers of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week - which starts on July 28 - are planning to run a competition to name the 'very rare breed' and to raise funds for the RNLI charity.