It's been 10 months since the four-year-old saw Rabbit the Rabbit.

Elliot's family – on the other side of the world – had all but given up hope of ever seeing the beloved bunny again.

But while they've been worrying, the toy has been Calderdale's best-read rabbit.

He's spent his time in the Book Case, Hebden Bridge, getting to grips with Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.

"He's become a real character at the shop since we found him here last April," said shop assistant Simon Manfield.

"We immediately wanted to reunite him with his owner because he was so different from the umbrellas and scarves that tend to be left and he looked so mournful on his own."

But while the shop advertised the lost property and local author John Siddique wrote a blog about the find, the Collinge Moore family were having the friends who they had visited search their homes, gardens and ponds for the stuffed bunny.

It was only this week, when one of those friends visited the shop, Rabbit was finally recognised.

Mr Manfield added: "It's a happy ending although we can't pretend we won't miss him.

"He was a big help to staff during the busy Christmas period and he's become a favourite with customers – he's even received greetings cards."

But mum Jo Collinge, who is originally from Hebden Bridge, said little Elliot could not wait to see his best bud again.

She said: "Rabbit has been his great love and constant companion. He was devastated to lose him.

"We imagined Rabbit running free across the moors, but clearly he has been on more cerebral pursuits.

"I imagine pure joy once they are reunited."

She will collect the toy when she visits in April.