IT is not quite the first day of Christmas but a partridge was discovered in a field by a dog walker.

However, the walker was worried the famously festive bird may have been ill and contacted Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre.

Staff from the centre in Beckford, near Tewkesbury, has checked over the bird and now believe it will make a full recovery.

A spokesperson said: "Today we had a call about a Red Legged Partridge! How very festive!

"A lovely local dog walker had found it on her walk and took care of him until one of our volunteers could attend.

"This chap is now with the experts at Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre and is showing no signs of avian flu, so fingers crossed will make a good recovery."