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A self-styled 'Pastafarian' has reportedly won the right to wear a plastic colander on his head in official photos.

Niko Alm claimed he took the bold step of donning the strainer for an official photograph after discovering that headgear was permitted in his native Austria if it was worn on religious grounds.

In an unorthodox move, he claimed to be a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, an apparently spoof organisation based in America.

Its website insists: "Pastafarianism is a real religion."

The site adds that those who observe Pastafarianism are "fond of beer" and observe a religious holiday every Friday.

Mr Alm cited the church when he applied to wear the headgear in driving licence and passport pictures three years ago, as he reportedly highlighted his religious freedom to express his belief.

"My headwear has now been recognised by the Republic of Austria," he wrote on his blog after the application was eventually granted.

Austrian police, though, said the "religious grounds" cited by Mr Alm were not the reason the photos were permitted.

A spokesman said: "The only criterion for photos in driving licence applications is that the whole face must be visible."

Mr Alm now hopes to apply for Pastafarianism to be recognised as an official religion, according to reports in Austria.