burglars broke into the conservatory of a house and stole a prized parrot, together with its 5ft-high cage.

The 11-year-old bird - called 'Cocky' - was taken from the house at Summerhill Lane, Steeton, in the early hours of Monday.

It is believed the raiders covered the cage with material taken from a garden sun lounge to keep Cocky quiet.

The parrot is renowned for its ability to screech loudly. Although its vocabulary is limited to 'hello', his repertoire includes impersonations of a barking dog and a ringing telephone.

Now the parrot's owner, Anne Forrest, is offering a reward for his safe return.

She says: "I had only moved him into the conservatory - where he lives during the summer - at the weekend.

"It seems the thieves knew exactly what they were after. Nothing else was touched.

"I've had the parrot for about two years and before that he was my mum's, so he's been in the family for a long time. He means a lot to us."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Mrs Forrest on 653214.

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