Meet Ernie the PEACOCK who is living in a Darwen street

The large, colourful bird has been a regular fixture in Kirkdale Close for a few years now, and despite a couple of complaints from 'miserable neighbours' about damage to their roof tiles, the peacock, known affectionately as Ernie, is bringing joy to many households.

Bryn and Bev Mason who live in the Darwen street said they love seeing Ernie walking up and down the road and even put food out for him.

Mrs Mason's daughter, Serie Davies said: "There used to be two of them and we called them Bert and Ernie.My sister loves feeding them and I know a lot of the other neighbours like to feed them too.

"Ernie likes to hop on the van and sometimes he'll look in through the window."

It is believed the peacock was being looked after by someone who owned a small holding at the back of Kirkdale Close, and originally there were two of the birds thought to be living on the plot of land.

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However, Mr and Mrs Mason said that since that person left, the peacocks have been making their way onto the street in search of food.

Mrs Mason said: "We think since whoever was looking after them has gone, that they've been a bit neglected and that's why they're coming onto the street.

"There were two of them to begin with, and they never caused any damage to anything, but we think one of them has sadly died.

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"We see Ernie all the time, but haven't seen the other one for ages."

According to the Mason's, most of the residents love the peacock, although they believe there are one or two who moan about bird droppings and damage to roof tiles.

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Mr Mason said: "They're beautiful birds. We don't know who he belongs to but we love having Ernie here.

"He really brightens up the neighbourhood. There's bigger things to worry about than having a peacock wandering round the street."