THE devastated owner of a lost parrot is still hoping to try and recover the bird.

George, also known as Georgie, is a talkative African grey parrot who escaped from his home in Fell Lane, Keighley, on February 6. He suddenly flew off when his owner Jack Sargeant, 87, opened the door to a visitor.

Since then there have been sightings of George in Oakworth Road, North Dean Road and Lund Park, but he has disappeared each time before he could be caught.

Mr Sargeant's son, Paul, 47, said: "Just before dusk on Saturday we were told George had been seen on the roof of the Salvation Army building at the bottom of Oakworth Road. I got there only just too late and George had already gone.

"We're devastated. Parrots can live for 80 years in captivity and we'd had George for 25 years. We had him hand reared from an incubator.

"His beak is too big to fit through bird feeders, so I'd really like people to throw some food out for him if they see him.

"He is approachable so can be picked up in a towel.

"I've been out every day for four or five hours a day going around Keighley looking for him. I think he's probably flying around looking for my dad.

"It's a race against time, what with the weather and also the fact that cats and other birds would have a go at him."

He added that George talks constantly, using phrases like: "Hello", "good night", "cup of tea" and "bed time pally".

The Sargeants are offering a £500 reward to anyone who can help bring George home. People can call Paul on 077528 73444 with any information.