A REWARD has been offered for the safe return of Andover Leisure Centre's mascot after a mean thief stole Archie the alligator.

Standing about 5ft tall, Archie cannot be mistaken with his blue scales and yellow tummy.

He has proved to be a great hit with staff and users of the centre since he arrived a couple of weeks ago.

But on 22 August he was kidnapped at about 5pm and hasn't been seen since.

Marketing co-ordinator Steve Vincent says pleas for his safe return have been flooding in. "We miss you Archie," is the general consensus from children, adults and staff.

The Valley Leisure mascot has been sorely missed and a reward for the safe and unharmed return of Archie offers a three-month junior membership or a six-week adult inclusive membership.

The junior membership entitles the user to unlimited use of the Amazing Archie's world structure, pool, badminton, squash, numerous children's activities and, dependant on age, the gym.

The adult membership entitles the adult to unlimited use of the award-winning gym, pool, health suite, fitness classes, badminton and squash.

It also provides a discount in the Wellbeing health and beauty area.

Steve Vincent can be contacted on 01264 347100.