Crib arrives days after Neptune disappeared into the sea.

In recent days the Ostia district off the coast of Rome has suffered extensive damage in storms which lashed the coastline, destroying seaside cabins and leading to a significant amount of beach sand being swept up onto the area's pontile, or pier.

The artist, named as Marek, set about turning the accumulated sand into a Christmas crib which has been much admired, raising dampened spirits as the festive season begins.

The arrival of Marek's beautiful crib coincided with the departure of another popular landmark nearby - the mysterious statue of Neptune - which disappeared into the waves during the height of the storm.