A REWARD is being offered to find a missing ferret who set up home in a bus depot and became a favourite with staff.

Bolton the ferret was discovered in the Stagecoach bus depot in Manchester by driver Will Nuttall, who took pity on the animal and took it home.

But Bolton has now disappeared from his Little Hulton home and the bus company is offering a reward for his safe return.

Mr Nuttall, aged 44, of Cleggs Lane, said: “We found him in the depot when we arrived at work one morning. I had a ferret when I was younger so once he had been given a clean bill of health from the RSPCA I asked if I could take him in if his owner didn’t turn up.”

Mr Nuttall, a keen Bolton Wanderers fan, named the ferret after his team and took him home, and even managed to win round fiancée Barbara Allison, aged 42.

Mr Nuttall made nine-month-old Bolton a home in his shed in the back garden but a few weeks later he had disappeared.

Mr Nuttall said: “I was really upset when I came home and he had gone. I really hope someone comes forward as I would hate for anything to harm him.”

Bolton has been missing for four weeks and Stagecoach Manchester is offering anyone who provides information which leads to the safe return of the ferret a free Megarider bus ticket worth £10.

Anyone with information should call Stagecoach Manchester on 0161 2733377.