WANTED: one much-loved pygmy goat who has taken hoof from his home at a York agricultural college.

Pint-sized pet Naughty Boy has lived up to his troublesome reputation by slipping out of Askham Bryan College.

The black and white animal has not been seen since he and five other goats wandered out of their pen last week when a gate was left open.

But while his friends have returned, Naughty Boy is nowhere to be seen and staff members are worried for his welfare.

Despite a determined "goat hunt" in the village and around the surrounding countryside, there has been no sign of the little fellow.

Students have put up "missing" posters around the college and York Police have been informed of the sudden disappearance. Ann Winduss, of Askham Bryan College, said Naughty Boy is a "terribly friendly and much-loved goat with an infectious personality".

She that the moment college workers and students found he was missing they volunteere d to comb the area for any signs of the prized pet.

"He's never been apart from the other goats so it's very likely that he's distressed and frightened," she said.

"We are desperate to get him back.We've put posters up all around the college.

"As soon as we realised he was missing staff spent Friday combing looking for him.

"He's never gone missing before. We've absolutely no idea how he got out. Several of the other goats had got out of their area but they were still in the animal management unit.

"Now it has been four days and he still hasn't returned for food so we are pretty certain he isn't here anymore."

Naughty Boy is an adult Pygmy goat.

He is about 50cm tall with white legs and white horns. He has a yellow tag on his ear.

He disappeared between 5pm on Thursday and 8am the following day.

If anyone has seen him, or knows where he might be, phone Askham Bryan College on 01904 772277 or York Police on 0845 60 60 247.

Updated: 10:26 Tuesday, November 09, 2004