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Last Updated: Tuesday, 8 May 2007, 20:00 GMT 21:00 UK
Nessie spotted in Sussex garden
John Dobson trimming his Loch Ness Monster hedge
The Loch Ness Monster is a mystery of the Scottish Highlands
The Loch Ness Monster has made an appearance in East Sussex thanks to one man's green-fingered labour of love.

John Dobson, from Polegate, has spent 17 years trimming Nessie's head, tail and humps into a 15ft-high (4.6m) garden hedge.

"It doesn't take any upkeep at all, you only have to cut it three times a year. It's my pride and joy," he said.

Mr Dobson has kept a scrapbook of the hedge's growth over the years and is now growing a Nessie for his neighbour.

He said he had the idea originally because "the Loch Ness monster was rather spectacular looking... and very simple really".

He added: "I didn't want to do herds of elephants or motor cars.

"Now with any friends and relatives who come here, it's a big talking point for them."

Mr Dobson's creative endeavours even extended to constructing a retaining wall at the base of the hedge to simulate the ripples on Loch Ness.

The Loch Ness Monster is alive in East Sussex


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