A GOOSE rescued after getting its foot caught in an electric gate has been reunited with its flockmates on the harbourside.

Billy the goose – a prominent resident of Whitehaven Harbour – was taken in by Mel James of Ani-Mel Haven Animal Sanctuary last Saturday after his foot got stuck in the marina gates as they were closing.

He was released back on to the harbour on Sunday after being nursed back to health by Mel and was very excited to see his buddies again.

Whitehaven News: Billy the goose has been released back on to Whitehaven harbour where he is a prominent feature along with his two flockmatesBilly the goose has been released back on to Whitehaven harbour where he is a prominent feature along with his two flockmates (Image: AniMel Haven Animal Rescue)

Mel said: “He’s back! He’s done great. I think it looked worse than it was. There was quite a bit of blood when I picked him up. I cleaned his foot and it was just a little nick on his toe. He’s paddled about in salt water for a couple of days. It’s healed up well.

“He’s been an absolute treasure. He’s good as gold. I have got quite attached to him.

“I took him back and we went up and down the harbour looking for the geese. As I was driving along, he was going mad in the back of the car as if he knew where he was. He was honking away.

“Someone stopped us and said they had seen the geese by the Beacon. As soon as I pulled up, he started honking. They were honking. They were comical. It was lovely. There was quite a few people watching. I think they’ve got quite a fan club down there!”