THERE'S something fishy going on in the toilets of one of the region's newest Internet cafes - and it has even attracted the attention of the RSPCA.

An inspector from the animal welfare charity visited Cafe Gulp in Darlington after receiving a report that fish had been seen swimming around in the toilets.

Rather than having a simple porcelain cistern, the cafe has installed a glass tank with live fish inside.

When the toilet is flushed, the water in the tank starts to go down. But just when you think the fish are going to be left floundering on the bottom, it quickly fills up again. And there is no danger of the fish being flushed into the toilet bowl because the filter is too small.

Cafe Gulp managing director Les Mooney said he was more than happy to allow the RSPCA inspector to look at the toilets and give the fish a clean bill of health.

"He was embarrassed about the whole thing, but we understand it was something he had to check out," he said.

"It is actually very good for the fish because they are getting clean water every time the toilet is flushed and it means the tank is self-cleaning."

Mr Mooney admits borrowing the toilet idea from a hotel in London, but says it is proving very popular, especially with children.

"Word is getting around about the toilets and people are coming in just to see the fish, which is obviously good for business," he said.

"We wanted to do something different and it is proving a real talking point."

Cafe Gulp is next to The Northern Echo's main entrance in Priestgate, Darlington.