A MUCH-loved puppet - somewhat iconic at Wrexham matches down the years - has gone missing and its owner is looking to track it down.

Die-hard Wrexham fan Richie Roberts has been taking his beloved Shaun the Sheep puppet along with him to matches for around 15 years.

He's been home and away, to Wembley and everywhere else in between but the recent 1-1 draw at Barrow (August 26) is where he sadly went missing.

During the match, Richie - who is himself a notable character with his odd shoes and often fancy clothing on a matchday - helped another fan who had become poorly.

As a result, they left Shaun behind along with some other fans who Rich had called to ask to look after the puppet after the 58-year-old was unable to return to the ground in time.

But, sadly, the fans forgot and Shaun was left behind in Barrow.

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The next day, Richie called Barrow Football Club to see if he was anywhere to be found, but he had no joy.

Speaking to the Leader, he said: "I had a flag go missing at the Torquay game last year, but I managed to get that back, so I'm hoping it can be the same for Shaun.

"My hope is that somebody picked him up somewhere and doesn't know that I'm looking for him yet."

Richie has been attending Wrexham matches since his father took him to the Mold Road paddock back in the 70's.

He started taking Shaun to matches around 15 years ago, since the old English Football League days, and often dresses him up in a Wales kit.

Richie added: "I've seen plenty of similar puppets to Shaun on EBay for a tenner, but it's the sentimental behind the original.

"When I wasn't at the Wrexham games, I'd have him on the windowsill of my bedroom and the kids would stop to wave at him.

"He's been all over the place down the years, so I hope I can get him back."