Lincoln's Donald the duck goes missing from Brayford Lake

Donald the duck is popular among visitors to Brayford Pool in Lincoln

A duck whose companion went missing from the lake they shared in Lincoln is said to be "pining" for her friend.

Donald, who had made Brayford Pool his home along with sidekick Pye, was last seen on Sunday evening.

The missing Muscovy duck was "special to lots of people", according to Dale, 46, who said he had helped rear the tame bird from birth.

Dale, who lives on a boat moored on the lake, said: "He brightens everyone's day up and he's very friendly."

Pye is said to be "pining" for companion Donald

Brayford Pool, a natural lake formed where the River Witham and the Fossdyke Canal meet, is a popular haunt for University of Lincoln students who, according to Dale, loved to "sit and stroke" Donald.

"We are missing him. Pye is pining for him," he said.

When not being fussed over, Donald and Pye, a Magpie duck, enjoyed "sunbathing" together on his boat, Dale added.

"Donald is a special bird: special to the lady who bred him and special to me. Lots of people like to see him.

"He brightens everyone's day up and he's very friendly," Dale said, adding he was not sure if Donald had been take "maliciously".

Dale says Donald's mate Pye is missing him following his disappearance at the weekend

John Siddle, 64, who also lives on a canal boat, said he last saw Donald a few days ago.

"I noticed he looked different to normal types of ducks, paler, and he has a red beak," he said.

Tony Hallsworth, 54, who works on the canal, said he had not come across Donald since his reported disappearance.

"We've seen mallards, Canada geese, but not Donald the Muscovy duck," he said.

"A lot of people come down to feed these birds. They are fairly well known in this area."