A TERRAPIN was discovered wandering on a grass verge near a busy road in Cwmbran.

Paul Davies, from Bron Afon Community Housing, was working in St Dials on a litter-pick when local resident Gary Erickson alerted him to the creature.

Mr Davies said: “At first, we couldn’t tell what it was, as it was covered in a thick layer of mud.

“I have no idea how it got there.”

Mr Davies took the terrapin back to Bron Afon headquarters in Llantarnam, where it is currently being looked after.

The terrapin was found to have a fracture in its shell and its skin was punctured.

Other unusual items found by Bron Afon caretakers include an XXL pair of underpants, a copy of the Bible, a Victorian-looking doll, and a safe, the contents of which were returned safely to its owner.

Anyone who thinks the terrapin may belong to them or knows of its owner should contact environmental manager Simon Morgan on 0800 1114242 or 01633 620111.