Have you seen Pickles the ferret?

A distinctive albino ferret has escaped from her home in Lincoln's West End.

Pickles, a distinctive albino with white fur and pink eyes, went walkabout from her home in St Faith's Street more than a week ago.

She was spotted in Newland Street West over the weekend but so far she has evaded capture.

Owners Sharon Bateman and her nine-year-old son Matthew are asking everyone in the neighbourhood to be on the look-out and to try tempting Pickles with some of her favourite cat food.

"Matthew is really upset and worried about Pickles and so am I," said Miss Bateman.

"She is 18-months-old but we have only had her for two months, having taken her in from a neighbour who had too many animals."

Miss Bateman has put up posters featuring Pickles' photograph and this appeal led to a report of one sighting at the weekend.

Matthew said: "I am sad without Pickles. She is my pet and she is much better than a dog."

Inspector Andy Bostock of Lincoln RSPCA, says albino ferrets are fairly mild in temperament but he would not advise anyone to try to catch Pickles with bare hands.

If you have seen Pickles call Miss Bateman on 07900 915018.

For more on Pickles the ferret see Wednesday's Lincolnshire Echo.