'Pastafarian' Austrian given permission to wear strainer

An Austrian man has been granted permission to wear a pasta strainer in his driving licence picture - for religious reasons.

Niko Alm argued he had to wear the kitchen utensil for religious reasons - insisting he belongs to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, whose followers call themselves 'Pastafarians' - and has been allowed to wear the colander on his head after three years of deliberations.

But the authorities were initially unsure and asked Niko to be assessed by a doctor to ensure he was mentally fit to drive.