A SURREAL riverside scene caught the eye of people walking near Abbey Bridge yesterday (Wednesday). The bizarre but charming sight of a table laid for dinner standing on a small beach next to the bridge was the latest project of art student Vicki Lloyd.

Vicki, who lives in Tavistock, set the table with fresh salmon, wine, candles and a fruit bowl. In the background hung a painting by another Tavistock artist, Arthur Read.

The 32-year-old, who is studying for her HND at Plymouth College of Art and Design, set up her tableau at 2am with the help of her boyfriend and son.

She said the idea was simply to surprise people with something unexpected. 'I was walking past about five weeks ago and it just came to me,' she said.

'It's all about twisting the ordinary, and I thought this little piece of beach was crying out for something to be done to it.

'The reaction has been brilliant. People walking their dogs were looking at it and almost falling in the river!'