Jogging can be a lonely pursuit but runners in a Norfolk village have found the ideal partner on their daily route.

They are being regularly joined by a wild pheasant, nicknamed Fez, who sprints alongside them as they make their way through Shotesham.

Jasper Copping, who lives in the village, said: "I first noticed him about two weeks ago, keeping pace next to me in the field by the road. He has done it on every run since then.

Eastern Daily Press: Jasper Copping and Fez the pheasant on their morning runJasper Copping and Fez the pheasant on their morning run (Image: Jasper Copping)Eastern Daily Press: Fez was first spotted run alongside Mr Copping last MondayFez was first spotted run alongside Mr Copping last Monday (Image: Jasper Copping)

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"He is always waiting for me at the same spot and as I run past he trots off next to me. 

"We run together for about 250 metres until we reach buildings and he stops.

"Then, on my way home a little later, we run back the other way. Sometimes he goes a bit further in the other direction and stops again when we reach buildings.

"He's very fast. I'm sure he could go faster than me but he likes to run alongside. He slows down when I do and speeds up when I do.

"On some bits he does have to negotiate some thick undergrowth which slows him down a bit.

"He usually runs in the field but does get on the road sometimes and runs about a metre in front of me.

"I do get worried when I see him in the road. I just hope his road sense is as good as his running. 

Eastern Daily Press: Fez often waits at the same point for Mr Copping and makes for the perfect running partnerFez often waits at the same point for Mr Copping and makes for the perfect running partner (Image: Jasper Copping)Eastern Daily Press: Fez has also been seen training other runners in ShoteshamFez has also been seen training other runners in Shotesham (Image: Jasper Copping)

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"A tractor came up behind us when we were running on the road the other day and it did make me a bit nervous. Being a pheasant he ran even further into the road but then changed his mind in time."

Mr Copping is not the only runner to go jogging with the pheasant. 

He added: "The other day, I'd stopped and I was talking to this pheasant and another runner approached.

"I was a bit embarrassed to have been caught talking to a pheasant so I explained about him. And she said he did the same thing with her.

"She's been running with him for even longer."