A TALKATIVE parrot is back on his perch today after escaping to take up residence in the roof of an East Lancashire nursery.

But Pebbles, an African Grey, hasn't said a word about her disappearance since she arrived back home to owner June Moore of Cliff Street, Rishton.

June appealed for information about the bird's disappearance in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

She said: "I'm over the moon. I've been in tears. But she's not speaking yet. She's obviously had a big shock."

A heartbroken Mrs Moore rang the Telegraph on Wednesday to report that Pebbles had taken flight. The bird's cage had been left open in the back garden so the bird could soak up the sun and get some fresh air.

June said: "I didn't even know she could fly yet. Something must have scared her."

She feared Pebbles could have taken flight anywhere across East Lancashire but in fact she had taken up residence on the roof of Holly House child development centre nearby.

Specialist nursery officers Donna Bullough and Sharon Waterworth were having their lunch when they heard loud squawking outside.

Donna said: "We leaned out of the window and when we realised it was a parrot we started calling Pretty Polly. She was obviously quite tame and came on to Sharon's hand.

"We took her in and fed her some fruit but she was obviously very thirsty so we gave her some water."

Mrs Moore said today: "She's lost a few feathers -- some birds must have had a go at her. I don't think she would have survived long out in the open."

Pebbles is normally a non-stop gossip, calling every member of the family to order, but Mrs Moore added: "She's only said one word since she came back -- Tanya, my daughter's name."