Billy the goat is looking for a new home after he broke free from his chain and was found wandering down the middle of a road.

The eight-year-old runaway's bid for freedom ended in Hayley Road, Lancing, when a mum and her young son spotted him as they walked to school.

The boy ran home to fetch a dog lead which he clipped on to the broken chain dangling from Billy's neck.

They called Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars), who dispatched the appropriately named Billy Elliott.

Mr Elliott used an apple from the boy's lunch box to entice Billy into the animal rescue ambulance.

He said: "He was obviously used to travelling. He was so good he waited until we let him out to relieve himself - but I wouldn't say he is house-trained."

"We tried to trace his owners but no one came forward. We did have some anonymous calls about where he might have come from but they did not come to anything."

The grey and white male has been staying with goat expert Sylvia Brown at her home in Gaisford Road, Worthing, since he was found in November.

She said: "He's very nice. He's got splendid horns and a lovely beard.

"I don't think he's been with other goats because when he came here, he didn't seem to know what the other goats were."

Billy needs to live with someone who knows about goats and preferably has some.

Mrs Brown said: "They would have to have horns too, otherwise Billy will have an unfair advantage."

Billy is a mixed breed and could live to 15.

Anyone interested should call 01903 217788.