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 3: Great Uncle Bulgaria outraged as Katie Hopkins calls council c***wombles (July 22)

The Argus:

A Womble took a break from collecting rubbish to defend the honour of his species. 

Former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins unleashed a foul-mouthed rant at Eastbourne Borough Council in the summer after it banned her from speaking at a venue in the town. 

In the outburst, the 44-year-old branded the council members c***wombles. 

But Great Uncle Bulgaria spoke out after hearing what the controversial speaker had said. 

Marcus Robertson, 63, son of author Elisabeth Beresford, who created The Wombles in the 1960s, contacted The Argus to pass on a message from the leader of the pointy-nosed litter pickers. 

The note said: “Wombles are always respectful of each other and even of human beings. 

"It was therefore sad to read that an offensive word had been used in connection with the Wombles and the great work that is done by Eastbourne Council.”

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SKIP: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 2, 1