MINIATURE mystery visitors to the Wrights Arms pub near Belmont village have got regulars stumped.

They answer to the names Sleepy, Bashful, Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy and Happy - and have been turning up on the pub doorstep on Belmont Road in the middle of the night.

Landlord Alan Wolfendale says he is baffled by the mysterious family of gnomes, who are causing much amusement to staff and customers.

He explained: "We get up in the morning and there's a gnome sitting on the doorstep. The first arrived nine days ago then on Sunday five arrived at once. I've no idea where they're coming from or why.

"We're just waiting for Dopey at the moment. He's the only one missing - perhaps he's run off with Snow White."

The six little characters, plus one gnome of the regular fishing rod variety, are now sitting behind the bar for safe-keeping.

"They're a major talking point at the moment," said Alan. "Every time people come in they ask if there's been another one. It's a complete mystery."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.