A stolen Wallace and Gromit super villain taken from a charming knitted postbox topper in Forest Town has returned.

Residents were demanding a vengeance most fowl for the callous thief who stole the handmade Feathers McGraw penguin figure that put paid to a six-year tradition of themed toppers on the postbox.

But after two weeks on the run an eagle eyed boy spotted the pilfered penguin languishing behind some railings whilst out walking with his mum Sally.

As a result of the discovery super knitter Debbie Williamson, who vowed to hang up her knitting needles following the heartbreaking theft, has now reconsidered her retirement.

It was celebrations all round after Debbie Williamson was reunited with her creation. Picture with Ian Watkins who used a broom to sweep Feathers to safety

Debbie who was holidaying in the Scottish Highlands when she received the call to say Feathers had been found said: “I was staggered to be honest I couldn’t believe it. The area where he was found is just over the road from the postbox so I wonder if he was there all along or if he had been dumped there because he was too hot to handle due to the publicity.

“My daughter did say it looked like he’d had a really good time, surrounded by tinnies and a Kinder Bueno wrapper.”

After the boy made the exciting discovery it was down to resident Ian Watkins to sweep the out of reach penguin to safety using a broom.

Debbie who set up Forest Town Yarn Bombers has now been reunited with her feathered friend who has sought revenge and is now proudly standing on top of the postbox outside a cell housing the villain who stole and dumped him.

Feathers is now back on the box outside the cell that is housing the villain who stole and dumped him

Debbie started making the toppers for the postbox in Clipstone Road West during Covid to spread a much needed bit of community cheer and has made around 40 different displays over the years, many with giveaways for residents to take away with them.

She added: “As soon as Feather’s was taken the outpouring of anger and upset was unbelievable and just shows how much little things like this mean to people and how they bring communities together and brighten people’s days.

“I said from the start if I’d just quietly knitted a replacement and put him back it almost gives the green light for people to think it’s acceptable to take things but I think the way the community came together and the strength of feeling just shows that people won’t tolerate it.”

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