Last updated at 16:30, Tuesday, 24 July 2012

A RARE and beautiful bird has gone missing, feared stolen, from a village’s charity twitching trail.

FLAP IS ON: China Duck (above) was in Chilli Red Takeaway, Grange, behind the counter before it was taken away on Saturday night SUBMITTED

China Duck was one of 48 specially-decorated ducks to have been placed around Grange as part of the “Go Quackers” event, which runs until August 31.

All the models have been paid for, designed and decorated by the village’s businesses, and people have been paying £2 for a map to track down the ducks.

But the red and gold bird went missing from its home in Chilli Red takeaway on Main Street on Saturday night.

Ian Wilson, who organised “Go Quackers” with his wife, Pauline, said: “It might just be kids messing about.

“It might turn up down at the ornamental pond and it might come home again, which would be great.

“But it is disappointing.

“I’m really, exceptionally annoyed - we’re just feeling sad really.”

The police have been told the duck has gone missing, and its disappearance is being treated as theft.

Mr Wilson said the loss of the bird could have an impact on the amount of money raised by “Go Quackers” for the Michelle Jurd Memorial Trust.

All the ducks will be auctioned off in September to raise extra funds for the charity, set up in memory of the Grange mum-of-two killed in an accident on the A590 in November 2009.

Two prototypes auctioned at the launch of the trail raised £300 earlier this month.

Anyone who knows where the duck might be is asked to drop into any of the participating shops and businesses to let them know.

First published at 13:43, Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk