A PUB landlord has received a ransom note from a kidnapper... who made off with his beloved gnome.
The bearded mascot was taken from his prime spot behind the bar at the Ferrers Arms in Sinfin.
Landlord Alan Bowdidge was alerted to the theft by one of his barmaids who noticed the gnome, also called Alan, was missing on Thursday.
He immediately offered a one-pint reward for the safe return of Alan, who is dressed in the colours of his favourite football team, Tottenham Hotspur.
Then, much to his shock, Mr Bowdidge discovered a ransom note.
And the same day he received a postcard from Alan saying he was enjoying a holiday – and a pint – in Ireland.
Mr Bowdidge, 55, said: "I couldn't believe it. I opened up my newspaper on Saturday morning and out dropped this ransom note saying whoever has taken Alan wants £8,495 for his safe return.
"Then this postcard arrives, saying it is from Ireland and that Alan is out there on holiday.
"There are even rumours on Facebook that he's off on a world tour.
"My biggest fear is that he comes back wearing an Arsenal shirt!"
Mr Bowdidge is originally from London. He has been in charge at the Ferrers Arms, in Sinfin District Centre, for 12 months and during that time has become popular with the regulars there.
One of them, a customer he calls Old Pops, bought the Spurs gnome in Derby in June and Mr Bowdidge gave it a prime spot behind the bar. Then, last Thursday one of his staff told him it had gone.
He said: "I've joked that I caught the bloke on CCTV sneaking in behind the bar and kidnapping Alan and that I didn't recognise who it was because they were wearing a hoodie.
"I've a few suspects in mind as to who has taken him but none of the regulars are owning up to it. They're all keeping tight-lipped.
"I started off offering one pint as a reward for his safe return but now I'm thinking of upping it to five pints, which I think might tempt whoever has taken Alan."
Regular Tom Fulep, of Carron Close, Sinfin, is a self-employed graphic designer and has produced a poster appealing for Alan's return.
The 51-year-old said: "I really feel for our poor landlord. He loves that gnome and its kidnapping has left him absolutely heartbroken. He's at his wit's end with worry.
"I hope it is returned safely, so we can have a drink in peace without his continual whingeing!"
