Barbara's chicken run has a happy ending in Rotherham
FOR a few days at least, the most talked-about figure in a Rotherham suburb was a chicken called Barbara.
The feathered fugitive first came to public attention after being spotted wandering near the A57 by Anston Parish Council Cemetery, prompting an appeal to identify her owner and get her safely home.
What followed was an unexpectedly warm response from residents, who quickly took the plight of the lone hen to heart.
As it turned out, Barbara was no ordinary stray. The adventurous bird had apparently escaped from a passing chicken lorry before setting up camp on a grass verge, where she seemed perfectly content to peck away the days while the humans worried about her.
Given the usual purpose of a chicken lorry, it is fair to say Barbara had every reason to make a run for it.
For a brief period she enjoyed life as South Yorkshire's most famous chicken, attracting concern, offers of help and plenty of attention from locals determined to secure a happy ending.
In the end, Barbara's gamble paid off.
She was rescued, rehomed and introduced to 18 free-range companions, where she is now settling in well.
So ends a saga that had Aston residents flocking together in support of a bird they had never met.
For Barbara, a chance sighting, a caring community turned a bid for freedom into a second chance at life.
Not every escape story has a happy ending. This one, thankfully, came home to roost.