Frosty the Snowman kidnapped.. returned to family two weeks later

Frosty the snowman has made a triumphant return after being held captive for almost two weeks. The thieves sent the family a ransom note and also emailed photos of Frosty at the pub, go-karting and motorbike riding.

The beloved Christmas decoration was returned to his family in Bendigo, Australia, yesterday bearing the signs of two weeks of heavy partying. Owner Sarah Murley said Frosty was doing well after his adventures.

"He has a burn mark to his backside that's either been caused by a blowtorch or a cigarette burn so there might have been a bit of interrogating going on we think,'' Mrs Murley said. "He had a bit of mustard on his foot from a trip to McDonalds from a cheeseburger and the tip of his carrot nose is a bit burnt as well.''

Mrs Murley said her husband Duncan and their four children were relieved to have him home. "We were just ecstatic, it was great, everyone was just punching the air, it was great.''