A pet owner has been left “heartbroken” after a sheep she has cared for since he was lamb disappeared.

Elena Lickman woke up on Thursday morning to find her beloved pet sheep, Lucky, gone from his field on the outskirts of Canterbury and she fears he has been stolen.

The 24-year-old says the “friendly and dopey” animal feels like part of her family and she desperately wants him returned safely after going missing from the enclosure along New Cut Road.

“I felt completely heartbroken," said Ms Lickman.

“The sheep have lived on that field for years and we’ve never had any problems.

“I don’t know what’s driven them to steal him now but I’m completely devastated, I really just want him home.”

While volunteering at a local farm nine years ago, the NHS worker adopted Lucky as a lamb after he was rejected by its mother.

Ms Lickman cares for five sheep, but she says Lucky has a particularly special place in her heart.

“When the lambs were being born on Coppins Farm in Molash, he was one of the ones who needed to be bottle-fed and I got attached to him and his sister and adopted them both.

“Lucky was actually born dead, and the farmer brought him back to life, that’s why he’s called Lucky.

“He’s so friendly and dopey in his personality and he has always had a special place in my heart - his brothers and sisters are missing him.”

Lucky has been castrated so Ms Lickman thinks the thieves may have mistaken him for a female and had planned to use him for breeding.

But she has also heard from farmers in the area about a recent rise in sheep being stolen for their meat.

Lucky is white in colour with a grey scattering on his face. He has an ear tag printed with a registration to Stanford and Sons, Coppins Farm, tag number beginning UK02666320009.

Ms Lickman has reported the theft to police and has been out searching the area with her parents since Lucky’s disappearance.

She is offering a reward for the animal's safe return and is urging everyone around the Canterbury area to keep their eyes peeled for the creature, and get in contact with her on Facebook with information.

“If you’re the person who’s taken him, please bring him back. I very much want him home,” she added.

Police have been contacted for comment.