An 'escape artist' goat missing for months has returned to his herd - in what rangers are calling a "Christmas miracle". "

The adventurous animal, affectionately nicknamed MacGyver, first disappeared from his home at Wouldham Common in Kent back in September.

Rangers from Kent Wildlife Trust noticed he was missing during one of their regular headcounts - when they tallied up a herd of 14 rather than 15.

It was believed that MacGyver had jumped out of his pen to reach the tasty trees and bushes on the other side.

A team searched the site and surrounding woodland areas for several days but the beloved goat was nowhere to be seen.

They tried to entice him back using sugar beets, his favourite food, and even lowered the fence so he could re-enter.

But still, he did not turn up.

Eventually, rangers began to fear he had fallen into a quarry.

However, last Thursday (December 12), the hardy goat suddenly reappeared with his herd.

Rangers say he was in good health and unscathed from his months-long escapade - and even joked that the 'goat' of Christmas past has returned.

Ellie Edmondson, a trainee wilder grazing ranger for Kent Wildlife Trust, was the first to spot MacGyver.

She said: "We check the herd every day to make sure they're all present and in good health and to my utter surprise, the count had increased by one. "

"There was MacGyver, standing right next to his brother."

"They spent a good 10 minutes staring at each other as if catching up on all that had happened before resuming their normal routine. "

"It's such a relief to have him back where he belongs."

"We were all pretty upset when he went missing and would often go looking for him on the off-chance we might find him."

"To have him back safe and sound is the best festive gift we could ask for – you might even call it a Christmas miracle."