HUMPHREY the gander is a real love machine who saves all his affection for a mechical digger.

Anyone who dares take the seven tonne machine out of its yard in Ross-shire gets a beakful when Humphrey flies at them in a jealous rage.

Humphrey belongs to Mickey Bain, postmistress at Tore, on the Black Isle.

The digger is owned by her husband Ian, 54, and sons Garry, 28, and David, 23 who run a plant hire business from behind the post office.

Mrs Bain said: ''This is the second season he's been in love with the digger. It all came about when his mate disappeared.''

The goose likes to stand or walk around the digger or lies next to it.

Mrs Bain, 50, said while the men were frightened of Humphrey she had never been attacked and can even get him to eat out of her hand.