DIVERS undertaking routine maintenance work in a harbour have discovered a giant lobster standing guard over a barnacle-encrusted wrist- watch, it emerged yesterday.

The 2ft lobster, which is thought to be more than 30 years old, was spotted by members of a diving club in Blyth harbour, Northumberland.

On closer inspection they were amazed to find that the ancient crustacean appeared to be guarding a wristwatch.

Incredibly, on their return to the surface the divers discovered that the watch - a Citizen Pulsar - was still telling the time accurately to within a few seconds.

Graham McDonnar, a member of the Lady Francis Dive Team, said: ''We've estimated that the watch had to have been under water for at least three years due to its condition and what's even more amazing is that it's not even a waterproof model.

''We are all highly experienced divers and none of us has seen anything like this before.

''Not only is this the biggest lobster any of us have ever come across underwater, but it's also the first sea creature we've encountered that can tell the time.''

The lobster has been taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium, in Tynemouth, where it is settling in well in the harbour tank display.

Zahra d'Aronville, of the aquarium, said: ''Lobsters are well known for being extremely territorial.

''Perhaps it identified the watch as part of its territory and has been standing guard over it ever since.

''We're not sure whether we will be allowed to keep the original watch, but if not, we will definitely supply the lobster with a waterproof replacement as he's clearly very keen on being on time.''