A humble ferret has become the talk of the town this morning after frolicking fancy-free through Abergavenny Market and capturing the hearts of the amused traders.

Ferrets are often given a bad rap as vicious, disease-carrying vermin, but they were domesticated more than two thousand years ago from the European polecat and those in the know often refer to them as ‘man’s other best friend’.

And the little furry fella who wandered into the Victorian environs of Abergavenny Market Hall was definitely keen to socialize and make a few friends.

There was of course a chance the friendly ferret could have been mistake for a rogue rat and chased off with a broom, but fortune favours the brave and this little guy was shown a lot of love and hospitality by Abergavenny’s trading folk.

The market’s Admin officer Sandra Rosser told the Chronicle, “We’ve named him Freddy because he’s such a character. He came wandering in and you could see he was very tame and used to being around humans. He was extremely cute and won the hearts of everybody with his adorable antics.”

Freddy was made to feel immediately at home in the market and was given every creature comfort possible.

Sandra revealed, “A couple of traders found a plastic box for him to settle in and someone found a little Poole Pottery china bowl for his drinking water. We’ve since taken him to Abbey Vets and I hope his owner is out there somewhere and will come forward to claim him. If not, we’ve got a few traders who already keep ferrets and would be more than delighted to welcome Freddy to the family.”

The Chronicle contacted Abbey Vets, who were equally charmed by Freddy’s friendly demeanor.

A spokesperson for the practice said, “He seems to be really enjoying his time here. He’s out the back eating and drinking at the moment. He’s definitely someone’s pet though, he’s too tame not to be. Fingers crossed his owner will soon come forward and he’ll be homeward bound again after his great Abergavenny adventure.”

If you have any information on Freddy the ferret contact Abbey Vets on 01873 854308.

Let’s get this roaming rascal back where he belongs!