STAFF at Blackburn's Co-op Travel thought they were seeing things when a stray parrot balloon from the weekend's Mardi Gras began moving in a tree outside the King William Street store.

Customer service manager Mel Gooden went to investigate and found it was in fact a real bird which had escaped from its Surrey Road home on Tuesday.

She said: "I though it was the funniest looking parrot balloon I had ever seen and realised why when I got closer. But it attracted more people to the shop so if it wants a free trip to Scarborough or somewhere, we can definitely arrange it."

After being taken into care by two policeman, the African Grey parrot -- called Dolly -- was reunited with her owner Wayne Hester.

He said: "I've not slept since she went missing so it was a great relief to have her back safe and sound. And I'll be keeping a closer eye on her from now on."

The two-year-old bird escaped through an open door before making her two-mile journey into town. She is to have her wings clipped to ensure she stays grounded and doesn't try to become a Lunn Polly!