A DESPERATE search is on for a kestrel which flew its suburban nest over the weekend.

The bird-of-prey, known as Kessie, is said to be completely helpless in the wild and needs to be traced quickly.

His devastated owners, Mr Rodney Fisher and his wife Glennis, are anxious to hear from anyone who has seen the missing bird which has been a part of their family for the past ten years

The police have also been informed of the bird's disappearance.

Kessie, who is 13, went missing when Mr Fisher was transferring him to a new and more spacious aviary.

Mrs Fisher, who lives on Tanners Street, Ramsbottom, said: "We are both very upset, particularly my husband who spent a lot of time with him. Kessie is like a member of the family: the children grew up with him."

She added: "Kessie was born in captivity and has no way of looking after himself. He needs to be found quickly. He is very tame and friendly and has no problems with humans. We are just hoping that someone might have seen him or even taken him in. If so we need them to get in touch."

The kestrel is ringed and registered and anyone with information on the bird's whereabouts should ring 01706 82 7319.