Reward offered for bird thieves

Jim Shepherd had 14 birds and six eggs taken

Bird lovers have raised £800 in reward money for information leading to the conviction of the thieves who stole a pensioner's budgies.

Jim Shepherd, 79, from Brechin, had 14 of his birds and six eggs taken from his aviary at the beginning of July.

It was the second time in a year that Mr Shepherd was targeted - in February two of his budgies were stolen.

An auction of birds and items donated by local businesses has taken place to raise the reward money.

Mr Shepherd, who has been breeding and showing birds for about 60 years, told the BBC Scotland news website that many people had offered their support.

What they've given me, money could not buy it Jim Shepherd

He said: "I feel so humble. You know how the world is today with great tragedies, yet all these people come out to help somebody who's got a kick in the teeth with his budgies.

"It's given me a new perspective to life, I mean I was going to pack them [breeding and showing birds] in, but I've had that much help and support. I'm getting letters from people who kept birds 40 years ago.

"It's really great. What they've given me, money could not buy it."

Alastair Connor, from the East of Scotland Budgerigar Society, who organised the auction, said: "He's a gentleman of 79, he lost his wife in February, he had a lot of tools stolen out of his shed in February as well and now he's gone and had some of his birds stolen.

"He's a very likeable person, he's one of the old school and for younger people like myself coming in it is people like him that keep you going and keep you interested.

"You can go to them with any questions or any problems you are having and they are always willing to help."