A BUDE man believes he has found 'whale vomit' which could be worth up to £40,000, writes Amelia Chubb.

Stephen Harwood was walking his dog along Summerleaze Beach before Christmas, when he picked up the unusual object and took it home.

At the time he didn't realise what it was, but a recent find of something similar by someone on Morecambe Beach, has led Mr Harwood to believe it's ambergris.

Ambergris is produced by sperm whales, who throw it up because parts of the food can't be digested. It can be found floating out at sea usually in tropical or sub-tropical areas; where the sperm whales spend most of their time. It was used in perfumes but due to its rarity, an artificial alternative is now created.

Mr Harwood believes it was washed up when the area was hit by bad weather.

For a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.