A MYTHICAL sea monster that lives off the Welsh coast will wash ashore in Aberystwyth this weekend in a bid to raise awareness of a very pertinent problem.

But, just what is the Cragen?

The beast is a 20 metre long sea monster with a difference.

The creature - expected to shock prom-walkers attending the Sea2Shore Festival in Aberystwyth tomorrow - is made entirely of plastic waste.

Cragen is inspired by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner’s illustrated book published more than 460 years ago.

This magnificent book is held at Richard Bowen Research Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

It’s typical of its time and includes imaginative sea monster illustrations with living animal features reported by superstitious sailors and intrepid naturalists.

Cragen is inspired by a blend of tall tales and mythical imagery.

The makers and creators of the giant sea-faring puppet are Cardigan-based Small World Theatre who took on the project as part of Wales’ celebration of the Year of the Sea.

The creature is also expected to rear its plastic head on the Parrog in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire on Friday, 17 August at midday, and on Sunday, 19 August, on Traeth Dolau in New Quay at 3.30pm.

Follow Cragen’s travels online cleanseascragen.wales and share your ‘sighting’ on social media using the hashtags #cleanseascragen #findyourepic #cleanseas