A customer at Ed's Easy Diner in Gateshead felt understandably queasy after discovering a live caterpillar in his burger.

The 28-year-old man, who would rather not be identified, was several bites into his cheeseburger before he noticed the wriggling insect between the lettuce leaves.

He spoke to the Daily Mail about his culinary ordeal:

"I was sick later that evening. I just couldn't believe it, it was like something from a nightmare."

Though the restaurant has apologised, he is determined never to set foot in the restaurant again.

"I was offered a £50 voucher and £100 to the charity of my choice but I'm never going to eat there again.

"I'd rather they gave £150 to charity, I've not thought which yet but possibly a wildlife one."

A spokesperson for Ed's Easy Diner said: "This was an unfortunate but isolated incident at our diner in Gateshead.

"We took immediate steps to resolve the problem and are confident the diner is back to our usual exacting standards.

"All our lettuce leaves are washed and sanitised individually."