The biggest non-story of the year?

Someone somewhere is short of news and has no knowledge of bees or one hell of a good sense of humour. I think I should quote the story -- from an un-named BBC journalist -- in full:

A beekeeper is appealing for help to trace about 30,000 honey bees which have disappeared from a hive he operates in south Worcestershire.

They were last seen at Nursery Close, Pershore, on Thursday evening.

Police said the bees could cost £100 to replace and the owner cannot explain why they suddenly left their home.

People are being asked to report if they see any swarm and are being warned the bees are likely to set up home in old chimneys, barns and trees.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The bees could have travelled in any direction.

"The owner cannot explain why they suddenly left their home, where there is a second hive, which remains stable."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Non-beekeepers amongst you might like to know that the bees almost certainly “swarmed” -- as natural an occurrence as night following day. I reckon Britain will have tens of thousands of swarming episodes over the next few weeks as bees prepare to start new colonies.

Amazingly the story was also reported by two UK national newspapers and others around the world. I'd love to know who managed to start this story. Next week's story: “The Pope IS a Catholic”.