Upset pupils are begging for the safe return of a group of stolen pet chickens.

St Michael’s Primary School, in Maple Avenue, Braintree, started keeping chickens six weeks ago.

But last week teachers had to break the news to heartbroken pupils that three of the eight animals had been stolen during the school holidays.

Headteacher Mandy Short said: “The children were just in the process of naming them, so it is really sad.”