A stolen comedy model of a seagull has been returned to its nest after it was found by a seven-year-old girl.

The plastic bird, which made passers-by chuckle because of its Groucho Marx looks, was handed to Isobel Gorman-Buckley by high-spirited students as they larked about in the street.

Raoul the seagull was one of 30 plastic birds, with a moustache, glasses and a false nose, left in different parts of Brighton to promote the the annual Paramount Comedy Festival.

But he and his flock were kidnapped from their perches.

Festival organisers declared an amnesty - even offering free tickets to the Best Of The Fest show last night to any kidnapper who returned them.

The Argus launched an appeal for their return.

It was thanks to Isobel, who lives in Brighton, that Raoul made it home with one leg and a damaged wing.

His return earned her mum Katie two seats at the comedy festival.

Isobel said: "I was in the Old Steine on my birthday when I saw some boys with a seagull and they offered it to me.

"I wanted to keep him but I didn't know who he belonged to."

The fate of Raoul's brothers is not known but at least one is believed to have been adopted by a hip hop crew.

Lloyd Lewery - rapper Legs MC from Amateur Dramatics - confessed to taking in a seagull as a mascot for a live show last Wednesday.

The bird was on stage for the track Seagull Killers and proved to be such a hit with the fans he has been invited to join the band.

Legs MC, 23, said: "I saw the bird in Lewes Road, on a telephone box, and I thought he was the perfect prop for the song.

"He was going round the club during the show and helped make Seagull Killers the most appreciated song of the night.

"Apologies to the person who made it but this bird has been put to good creative use."