A DEAD sheep on the verge at Cannop Bottom was the butt of a bit of Forest humour this week.
For somebody provided a posy of commemorative flowers and a jar of mint jelly with a placard mourning Forest Fred.
The luckless sheep – one of all too many which perish as a result of acts of carelessness, generally speed – was also spotted by police who coned off the area and searched for any clues to the animal's demise.
•For the uninitiated, Forest Fred was a wry commentator on Forest affairs who for some time provided a weekly column in the Review.
We can reveal that he has not actually passed on but lives in semi retirement in a Forest hideaway where he can often be found leaning on his garden gate giving the benefit of his views to passers by, sheep or anyone who will listen.