Mosasaur spotted in Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge is known for being a bit... different. It's a town of artists, mystics, and people who own an impressive array of corduroy trousers. But even for Hebden, a prehistoric sea monster popping up for a gentle swim in the Rochdale Canal is pushing it a bit. The creature, already dubbed the 'Mayroyd Mosasaur' by baffled locals, was spotted cruising past the Mayroyd Moorings this weekend. One minute it was all peaceful ducks and the gentle chug of a bilge pump; the next it was like a scene from a low-budget Jurassic Park, with a reptilian head and flipper gliding silently through the murky water.

Adding to the utter strangeness of it all were two figures in full white protective suits, seen lurking on the towpath. Were they scientists from a secret government agency? Council pest control dealing with a very, very out-of-control pest? Or simply local beekeepers who'd taken a seriously wrong turn on their way to a hive?

"We asked them what was going on," said one resident, peering from behind a pot plant. "They just muttered something about 'unusual aquatic fauna' and told us not to get too close. I wasn't planning on it, mate. I know what's in that canal."

Theories are, naturally, running rampant. Is it a long-lost cousin of Nessie that took a wrong turn at Skipton? A highly elaborate art project? Or has someone's bath toy got ridiculously out of hand?

Whatever the truth, the 'Mayroyd Mosasaur' has only cemented Hebden Bridge's reputation as the capital of quirky. For now, residents are advised to keep their pets, children, and any inflatable dinghies well away from the water's edge. You just never know.