A MAN found dozens of rare newts sheltering under the decking in his back garden.

Dave Sugg, of Felmores, Pitsea, discovered 28 great crested newts, when he pulled up decking behind his house.

The 50-year-old was so intrigued, he looked up what species they were on the internet.

He said: "It turned out they are great crested newts, which is a protected species.

"It's quite strange because we haven't got a pond in our garden and there aren't any rivers or ponds nearby.

"They're funny looking little things, but I like having them around."