Escaped peacock found in neighbouring village

An adventurous peacock that escaped the boundaries of a National Trust gardens has been found safe.

Staff at Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield said they were "surprised" Arctic, a silver peacock, went missing as he had never strayed from the gardens before.

It is believed the peacock escaped on 30 March and was found in the nearby village of Fletching – about three miles (4.8km) away.

Charlotte Lewis, of the National Trust, said Arctic was cared for by a family in Fletching while waiting for staff to collect him.

"We were pleased to learn he was very well looked after thanks to the kindness of our neighbours," she said.

Ms Lewis said peacocks at Sheffield Park were well known and due to their distinctive look.

"As Arctic is a silver peacock, he definitely stands out. The family contacted us as soon as they recognised him," she added.

"Together with a local vet, we were able to bring him home completely unharmed."

Arctic has been living at Sheffield Park and Garden for 11 months and he is one of the four peacocks at the site.

The trust said "one adventure is enough for Arctic" and has asked the public to contact the garden if he is seen embarking on adventure again.