A LOVELORN goose is still pining for his playmate after she was stolen by thieves from their shed in Worcestershire.

Gander Leon has been looking to owners Chris and Wendy Davies for comfort after his bird Matilda was snatched from their love nest.

Devastated Mrs Davies was left in tears when she discovered her pet had gone missing.

She now fears Matilda has been stolen to order, or even killed, because she has heard nothing since her story was published in the Evening News a fortnight ago.

"I really did think we would get something from the article," said the 32-year-old.

"I think they killed her straight away or somebody wanted a particular goose and Matilda was stolen to order.

"Leon is really pining and keeps standing in the kitchen with us.

"He looks really lonely."

The geese, which can live for 20 years, are show birds known as Dewlap Toulouse and are very plump.

They were both a year old when they were bought as a pair by Mrs Davies.

She had only owned them for five months when Matilda was stolen.

"I want Matilda back and don't know how Leon would take to another goose," said Mrs Davies.

"If we can't get a Toulouse maybe we'll get a normal goose that is bigger than average because he's a big lad and he'd flatten a normal goose if he tried to mate."

Matilda, valued at £120, is silver in colour, has a bright orange beak, brown eyes and a grey coloured dewlap.

She stands at around 2ft 6in tall and is very plump.

"They're like swans - they pair up for life and have babies together," she said.

"Toulouse are normally sold in pairs, and it's difficult to get a female on its own."

The raiders struck between 5.05pm on Wednesday, November 21, and 7am on Thursday, November 22.

Anyone with information should contact Worcester police on 01905 723888, quoting c/536173, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Mrs Davies is eager to offer a reward for information leading to the return of her goose.