A YORK bird lover was so distraught at the apparent disappearance of 30 of his feathered friends that he contacted the Evening Press to highlight their flight.

Stephen Reid, of Galligap Lane, Osbaldwick, had woken up to see the family of ducks every day for four years and was shocked when he opened his curtains yesterday morning to an empty garden.

"We've seen quite a few generations. In fact, they bring their babies up to our front garden and we feed them, it's almost like they are part of the family," said Mr Reid.

"But I don't know what in the world happened to them because that's the first time in four years we've woken up and they haven't been around. I can't tell you how depressed I was most of the day."

While visions of duck-napping, mishap and even murder ran through his mind, Mr Reid finally turned to the Evening Press for help.

Photographer Steven Bradshaw was dispatched to Osbaldwick to get a picture of the distressed bird lover, but on the way back, what should he see but 30 ducks waddling along the road towards him.

Steve said: "They just landed right in front of me, about 30 of them."

When told the good news Mr Reid said: "I'm really glad they're back. They are part of the joy of living here. You've made my day."

PICTURE: puzzled - Stephen Reid was mystified after a family of ducks disappeared from his garden

Picture: Steven Bradshaw