After England’s spectacular performances at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, manager Gareth Southgate has rightly won a lot of plaudits.

A semi-final finish was more than any Three Lions fan had dared dream of, and since his return home Southgate has been showered with heartfelt thanks for unifying the nation.

London tube stations have been renamed in his honour, waistcoats are back in fashion and calls have been made for the Queen to bestow a knighthood upon the former Aston Villa centre back.

But staff at Foodpack, a packaging specialist based on Great Notley’s Skyline 120 Business Park, created their own tribute to the man who very nearly brought football home for the first time since 1966... after the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

Purchasing co-ordinator Adrian Rowley said: “For nearly two weeks now we have had an additional member of staff – sadly I have to say, a rather unwanted new member of staff.

“Namely one peacock, actually we think it is a female, so technically it is a peahen.

“We initially named him Gareth thinking he was a sign of good luck for the World Cup matches, but after the defeat to Croatia this optimism proved unfounded.

“However, the additional discovery that he was probably a she hasn’t stopped us calling him Gareth – it just seems to fit.”

Keen to reunite Gareth with its rightful owner, the team’s goal is to find out where the bird has migrated from.

So far however, their efforts have been wide of the mark, and the bird is becoming more and more accustomed to its new surroundings.

Mr Rowley said: “Although as we have kept the main door open in the hot weather he or she has managed to have the occasional wander into the office, probably looking for a meal.

“The RSPCA just said he must have an owner, so it is up to them to find him – or for him to get bored and eventually find his way home.

“Sadly this doesn’t look likely, he actually sits behind our office building all day.”

Gareth has become partial to a biscuit from the office kitchen and staff are slowly growing attached to their new feathered friend.

But, knowing a business park isn’t the best place for the bird, Foodpack is hoping readers of the Times might be able to help get Gareth home.

Mr Rowley added: “We don’t want just any old somebody to try and claim him though as there are some unscrupulous people out there who may well think that Gareth is literally Christmas come early.”

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