A PHOTO picturing what looks like a UFO hovering above the statue of a Saint in a famous religious site in France was captured by a Penpergwm man who was visiting Strasbourg with his wife last Autumn.

For centuries the Mount Saint Odile just outside Strasbourg has been regarded as a marvel of nature and as been described as 'a high point of spirituality.' The Charles Wackenheim guidebook states that it is a place where, "Mystic sensibility rubs shoulders with cosmic emotion."

Since the dawn of time this rare site has captivated all who visit it and it is still surrounded by a relatively well preserved wall of Celtic origins. Because of its religious connections it attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, including in 1988 Pope John Paul II who once visited to make a blessing at the tomb of Saint Odile.

Yet the cult surrounding Saint Odile since the 12th century has not been known to recruit any extraterrestrial members - until now!

A photo picturing what looks like a UFO hovering above the statue of the Saint on Mount Odile was taken by Jeremy Mead, who alongside his wife Marion was visiting their extended family in Strausbourg last September.

Jeremy told the Chronicle, "When I took the picture it was a crystal clear day with blue skies all around, but at the time I didn't notice anything untoward flying about in the sky.

"It wasn't until I later looked at various photos on my computer that I noticed what appeared to be something quite stark and colourful in the picture. It also appeared to be in a different position in each picture which would suggest it was moving."

Jeremy added, "Considering its apparent size, shape and colour, I wondered how I or anyone else who was there didn't notice it at the time, and I'm still puzzled as to what it could be. It's pretty much a mystery to everyone I show. Some say it's a space ship, others are a bit more sceptical, as for myself, the jury is still out, but I do know that it's a very strange thing to see so near to such a place as Mount Saint Odile."

Saint Odile died on 13 December 720, a long time before people even had a word for UFOs let alone report sightings of them. She was born blind but was said to have recovered her sight when she was baptised and was named Odile, daughter of light.

Known as the patron saint of the partially sighted and the visually handicapped, she is also regarded as the saint of all those with a burning desire to rediscover the light of faith after living so long in the darkness and shadows of doubt and disbelief.