THE OWNERS of a talking parrot described as 'a member of the family' have made a desperate appeal for its whereabouts.

Monty, an African grey parrot with a red tail, went missing from a house in Spinning Avenue, in Guide, Blackburn, last Monday after flying out of the back door.

Owner Jennifer Riley, 41, believes the bird, which she has owned for nine years, will still be within a mile of the house, and is appealing for anyone who sees it to get in touch.

“In nine years he has never flown away before,” she said.

“I had the back door open and he managed to undo his cage and fly away.

“I have another younger parrot who is really missing him, they play boo together in the morning and are really close.”

Jennifer spent £30 on a pair of binoculars to try and find Monty over the weekend.

She said: “My four-year-old grandson has been in the garden with the binoculars looking for him, and he rings every night asking if he is back.

“He has taken it worse than me and it is my bird.

“I have asked all the farmers in Belthorn and told the police and RSPCA.

"We are doing all we can to try and find him.”

Monty, who was bought from a breeder in Oldham, is described as a talkative and friendly parrot.

“He is so intelligent,” said Jennifer.

“He knows when you have had a bad day and comes and sits on your shoulder and says ‘I love you’.

“When the door opens he always says ‘is that you Jenny’, and he is always talking to the dog.

“We are all desperate for him to come back.”

Anybody who sees Monty is asked to call Jennifer on 01254 676368.