Farm's stolen rare chicken found in park

The Ayam Cemani chicken was in Walker Park, about two miles (3km) from Ouseburn Farm

A charity farm says it is "over the moon" after one of its stolen chickens was found in a park.

Eight birds were taken from Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle at the end of August, including an all-black Ayam Cemani.

While seven others remain missing, the "rarest" was spotted three weeks later in Walker Park memorial garden, almost two miles (3km) away.

Katie Bates, farm manager, said the chicken was the only one to have been raised from birth by one of the farmers and the team was "very, very happy to have her back".

Ms Bates said the birds were "definitely stolen".

She said the Ayam Cemani may have managed to escape and survive as it was "more of a wild breed than the others".

"Maybe she'd gotten free from wherever she was and managed to survive until someone spotted her," she said.

Silkies, one of the breeds of chicken stolen from the farm, have big tufts on their heads

The chicken was found in the park by a member of the public.

"She looked a little bit bedraggled, bless her," Ms Bates added.

"I think it's obviously been a bit of a hard time. But, she's looking better now, she's back to full health and we're just very, very happy to have her back."

The breed is particularly unusual as it is all black, including its meat and organs.

Previously left unnamed so as not to "tempt fate", the farm is currently thinking of a "fitting name for such a brave hen".

The farm said the chickens, which belonged to the rare breeds Silkies and Banthams, were worth about £400.

After they were taken, supporters of the farm donated more than £1,900 to improve its security system and add to its depleted flock.

Northumbria Police said it was investigating and had appealed for anyone with information to contact them.