Gemma SherlockNorth East and Cumbria
Cumbria PoliceA pub’s badger mascot that went missing when it accompanied staff on a Christmas night out has been returned.
Staff from the the Badger Bar in Rydal in the Lake District took their beloved Bertie the Badger with them to the White Lion Hotel in Ambleside on Monday, but sadly disappeared.
The mascot was reported stolen and Cumbria Police issued an appeal to trace him – and his disappearance was picked up by international media, including reports in the United States.
A spokesperson for the pub said on Friday that Bertie has been returned after having had “a merry time.”
The Badger Bar thanked all those who had shared their appeal.
In a post on Facebook, staff at the pub said: “Bertie has just staggered back through the front door!
“He seems to have had a merry time , his hat and tinsel have fallen off, and he’s not telling what he’s been up to.
“But he’s been well looked after and we’re grateful for that.”
Glen Rothay and Badger Bar FacebookBadger Bar owner Paul Knowles previously said he had “pride of place” on a shelf near the bar and customers loved having their picture taken with him.
Mr Knowles said he did not know how long Bertie had been a fixture at thebar, but he believed it to be several decades.
He explained the pub changed its name about 50 years ago, when a badger sett was found in the woods behind the building and staff found they could regularly feed the animals.
“He’s an integral part of the building and the history,” he said.
