FROM a furious Womble to a streaker on the pier – what would life be without weird and wonderful stories?
The final year of the decade failed to disappoint Argus readers who have a penchant for the preposterous.
So to celebrate another year packed full of odd and sometimes odious news stories, we have chosen some of our favourites.
On the day we count down to the end of the decade, we count down the ten weirdest stories of the year.
Number 8: student designs chair to stop 'manspreading' (June 10)
A STUDENT created a chair to help stop men sitting a certain way.
Laila Laurel, who has graduated from a 3D design and craft degree from the University of Brighton, has won a national prize for her chairs which prevent “manspreading”.
Manspreading is a term which describes the way men sit, often on public transport, with their legs wide apart and taking up more than one seat.
Laila’s chair, A Solution For Manspreading, is designed so men have to sit with their legs closed, thus preventing them encroaching on others’ space.
It won the Belmond Award at New Designers in London, a major showcase of work from UK universities. The award is run by Belmond Hotels.
Laila, right, said: “I am completely shocked but very happy and honoured to have won the Belmond Award – and I am looking forward to designing with them this year.”
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