Cracker the goose had a lucky escape this festive season.

Found wandering in Ben Rhydding before Christmas, the pet was handed in to animal rescuers.

Only now, with Christmas and New Year out of the way, has Sue Garforth, who runs the Hedgehog Care animal sanctuary in Wibsey, judged it safe to reveal Cracker's predicament. She feared he could have been 'claimed' by someone who fancied him for a festive meal.

"He is clearly someone's pet, but we have no idea whom he belongs to and the Telegraph & Argus is our only hope," she said. "But we were wary of advertising him before Christmas, in case the wrong sort of person came forward."

He is a large beige and brown bird with a large knob on his beak.

"He is one of the domesticated breeds of goose, but I can't find him in any of my books," Mrs Garforth said.

She added she would only let Cracker go to his proper owner - not to someone with an eye on their Sunday dinner. Contact her on (01274) 673959. She is pictured with Cracker the goose.