Wallabies go walkabout in Northumberland

Dec 8 2006 By The Journal

Strewth - a pair of wandering wallabies have gone on a walkabout, after escaping from a North caravan park.

The animals, native to Australia, have been spotted hopping along the lanes and fields in and around Belford, Northumberland, even making the odd stop-off at the village chip shop.

But owner Ian Carruthers has so far been unable to round up the miniature 'roos since losing them last month.

So now he's asking for help to bring the missing marsupials - mum Joey and dad Wally - back home. "They've left their baby, 18-month-old Vespa, behind," said Ian, 43, who runs the Blue Bell Caravan Park in Belford.

"All three originally made a break for freedom, but Vespa came back, followed by Joey.

"She's now run off again, because the fence was blown down by the high winds on Sunday."

Although Ian has had scores of calls from startled residents who have seen the wallabies, he's no closer to re-capturing them.

Anyone with information can contact Mr Carruthers on (01668) 214598.