FOR SALE signs featuring wild animals are so popular that they keep disappearing from people's gardens.

Bairstow Eves is urging fans of the distinctive new boards, not to "borrow" them from houses which are for sale. The estate agent is offering free colour replicas of the eight signs which feature beasts including giraffes, pandas and elephants in an attempt to stop the real signs escaping.

Jacqui Darley, senior branch manager of Bairstow Eves, in Low Petergate, York, said: "Quite a few went missing in York when we first launched them. We had to order in more posters, we originally just had a few to display in our shop."

She said: "They have been very popular, especially with children."

Managing director Mark Christopher said: "Requests for the new boards are roaring ahead of our predictions and our supplier is struggling to cope with the demand."

Anyone wanting a poster should ask in any Bairstow Eves office in the region. Branches are also located at Market Place, Pocklington, and Aberdeen Walk, Scarborough.

Updated: 12:26 Friday, February 22, 2002