By Mable Leaf

GOLDEN CARROT QUEST STARTS TODAY!

In a shock statement today the Head Buck confirmed that a quest has begun for the fabled Golden Carrot.

Not seen for hundreds of generations the Golden Carrot holds the key for prosperity and peace for the entire woodlands.

Key party in the Quest, David the Gerbil has been quoted as saying "We're all fired up and ready to go!" on the eve of their departure. However to our reporter's eyes the poor creature looked half asleep. You could see he was on the edge of excitement though, just waiting to get out there and find the carrot.

Cola, a former class teacher at the famed "Bunny Comprehensive", has joined the quest in a surprise move:

"Nobunny was more surprised than me at finding myself wrapping my belongings up in a handkerchief and searching for a decent sized pole."

When questioned about the size of Gorden's Pole the ex-teacher declined to comment.

  In our exclusive interview the Head Buck said "I'm really glad to see them on their way. It's something we've been hoping for some time and I'm so glad I could be here to see the day." You could see that the Head Buck was wondering if his job was safe now that opinion polls have shown that Gorden is three points ahead of the recumbent Buck in the popularity stakes. We detected a defensive stance in the 'Bucks comments:

"The polls only shows that a lot of people are wishing Gorden on his way, and are glad to see him on this quest. They don't accurately depict what would happen in a real election. Conies wouldn't actually vote for Gorden, he's just popular because of his big staff."

Before he left we managed a few words with Gorden himself.

Daily Leaf: So, Gorden, what do you see ahead of you on the quest?

Gorden The Rabbit: Well 

Mable, can I call you Mable? I can see some interesting times. We've already had a few interesting days preparing.

DL: Can you tell us what in particular?

GTR: Well, obviously I have this big staff. This actually belongs too I an insane hedgehog  who prophesied that  I would find the Golden Carrot.

DL: Of course there was then your famous meeting with Sly the Fox, who we might add, has not been seen since.

GTR: Well, it was over before it started really. He came in all bullish and in control and left with a squeal when he realised that he couldn't cope with a  coney with a big staff!

DL: Wa-Hey! And I believe you met your magical pal Plessey shortly afterwards.

GTR: Indeed, the mage offered his services on the quest and we're quite glad to have him along. Indeed he showed us to the Swan-Seers who made a few strange predictions.

DL: Our readers have heard whispers about the Swan-Seers, but few people have actually met them, you are truly blessed.

GTR: Oh I think so. By the way, what are you doing after this interview?

Have you won? See Page 17 for details!

Let Mystic Nora point the way on Page 41

Tonight's TV- Full guide on middle pages

Today, well - wishers paid their respects to the brave and proud badger Bertram who was cruelly murdered in an truly human spectacle.

Bertram was the day-foreman on the Mashed Potato fields for the last year and a half since his accident in the Twiglet bush that left him cruelly high-pitched.

Bertie (as his friend knew him) has been single for the past two years since his wife left him for the milk-man following a flaming row over the bill.

Bertie was an impoverished creature, living from day to day and no motive for the foul deed has been suggested.

"We did have a suspect," The Head Buck said, "But we've managed to place him during the