JCB's missing black swan

JCB is seeking help to find a lost swan that lived on the lakes at its global headquarters.

The UK telehandler manufacturer has 36 swans, all pairs, living on lakes at its factory sites and estates. Last Tuesday, the male and female swans living in a small ornamental lake off Station Road, Rocester, went missing.

The swans had lived there for 18 years.

Something may have startled them, causing them to flee the lake, said JCB operations security manager Steve Blyth.

A JCB boat crew searched for the swans and found the male about a mile (1.61km) from Tutbury, 15 miles (24.14 km) from the lake.

Blyth, who tends the swans, said the female would be distressed without her mate.

"The male was calling for her and I'm sure she'll be calling for him, too. She's very friendly and likely to approach humans," he said.

The Australian black swan has been micro-chipped to record JCB's ownership. She has a yellow ring on one leg showing she is female. A red ring on the other leg has details of her ownership. Almost entirely black, she has a flick of white on each wing and a red beak with a white band.

Anyone who spots the missing swan should call Blyth on +44 1889 590 312.