A MURTON farm worker's proudest day at his daughter's graduation was ruined after he discovered three of his precious pet goats had been stolen.

And this has now brought the tally of thefts from his paddock to six goats, eight sheep and one calf over the last few years.

John Marwood, 61, was enjoying his daughter Rachel's graduation day in Manchester, when his son telephoned to tell him three of his five goats had gone.

On inspection Mr Marwood said it looked like a theft and was probably the work of professionals who used a skilled technique to round up the herd.

The animals are the joy of his three-year-old grandson Jonathan, whose first word was "goat", spoken during a visit to the paddock.

Mr Marwood said: "It looks like they used a lot of boards and herded them into the corner. I'm very surprised they caught them because my goats are very wild and are allowed to run loose. We keep them as pets for our grandson who we take to see them every time he comes to visit.

"Two of the stolen goats were kids which were still suckling their mother. She has been bleating about the paddock and looking for them. It spoilt our special day a bit and really sickened me off. My daughter is upset about it."

Carol Marwood, his wife, said: "The mother goat is wondering where her little children are gone. We had a proud day, but it took the edge off it a little bit. We are worried about going anywhere now unless anything else is taken."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

PICTURE: John Marwood, with grandson Jonathan Marwood, three, and their two remaining goats Picture: Paul Baker