A runaway reindeer is recovering at home after stopping traffic in Maidstone.

The animal turned heads yesterday when it casually strutted across the Loose Road, in Loose village, during the morning rush-hour.

The creature, called Prancer, had escaped from a paddock in nearby Boughton Lane the night before.

Owners Sarah and Mark Stribbling-Williams had spent hours trying to catch the reindeer but lost sight of her in the dark.

They received a call the next day to say she had been found near the fire station at around 8am.

"We were so relieved," Mrs Stribbling-Williams said. "We'd been up for most of the night looking for her.

"She's a bit shaken up from her adventure but otherwise she's fine. I think she's just happy to be home."

Prancer was adopted by the family with another reindeer, named Blitzen, in November.

Sadly, Blitzen died from a heart condition just before December and Mrs Stribbling-Williams believes Prancer is pining for her partner.

The mother-of-three said: "I think she may have been looking for her mate but managed to get lost. She has been living with a teddy since he passed away."

Mrs Stribbling-Williams, who is expecting her fourth child in April, is planning on adopting another reindeer to keep Prancer company.