A FALCONER is offering a £500 reward for the return of his prize bird which disappeared during a performance at Lanchester show at the weekend.

It was a routine part of Rob Allott's act, sending his pair of Lanner falcons Jack and Jill up into the air so they could swoop low above the heads of the crowd. But while Jill came tumbling down, Jack didn't.

Mr Allott, who runs the Prince Bishops Bird of Prey and Falconry from Belmont, said: "I'm offering this award because this bird is priceless, but only to me. Anyone who has seen Jack and Jill performing will know why he has a big reward on his head. It takes years to train a bird to this standard."

Jack and Jill's acrobatics form the centrepiece of Mr Allott's show. Jill has already begun to pine for Jack, as the two birds fly together.

Mr Allott thinks the falcon may have found a thermal of warm air which birds of prey can glide on for up to 30 miles. But a tracking device attached to Jack with a 30 mile radius has produced nothing.

Jack is ringed and should still have his silver transmitter and red cap. Anyone who spots him should call Mr Allott on (0191) 3848498.