Have you seen flyaway Homer?

Beverley Hindle, of Bloomfield Court, Preston, says her son Ciaron, 15, is devastated that the bird has not returned since it flew away on Saturday, April 8.

Now she is calling on people to help her find the bird -- called Homer -- which she says has made a big impression on her son's life.

Beverley said: "The man at the pet shop didn't want to let him go because he was so tame and friendly. He was his pet bird which he had in the shop and was not for sale.

"But he let me buy Homer as a pet for Cairon, who is profoundly disabled.

"He's a lovely bird and my son befriended him instantly. Homer used to follow him everywhere and would sit on the arm of his chairlift.

"Cairon loved him from the moment he set eyes on him and now he's really missing him. He just keeps looking round the house for him." The white-feathered cockatiel, which was almost two years old, would often fly around the family's home while Beverley and her son where indoors.

She says he was very friendly and sociable around people and able to talk a few simple phrases including "where are you going?" and "what are you doing?"

The loveable bird would also comically wolf whistle at visitors and sing a string of tunes.

But he escaped when Beverley's friend opened the family's front door to leave.

Despite attempts to lure him back he flew away and is still missing.

Beverley said: "I could hear him panicking in the sky.

"A neighbour has a cockatiel and she brought her cage out into the garden to try and attract Homer, but he didn't come back.

"Now I am terrified that we have lost him for good.

"My friend is devastated and feels so responsible and I feel like I have let my son down. He misses Homer very, very much."

The caring mum has now put up a reward for the bird's safe return in the hope that a kind-hearted reader spots the bird or has taken him into their home.

If you have seen Homer or know where he might be, call the Citizen newsdesk on (01772) 255523.