I’M sure that many of us have come up with truth-stretching excuses when we ring in work, usually with a hoarse and frail voice, to say we won’t be coming in today.

Now, some of the craziest reasons for being absent have been unearthed, revealing the nation’s creative side.

One man said his fish was due to give birth and he had to stay around as the offspring were very valuable. Another offered visual proof of a nosebleed while another said his cat was stuck inside a desk and he had to take the day off to help free it!