'HEARTBROKEN' is the way a Herefordshire woman feels over the disappearance of her parrot.

'Sam Parrot' as he calls himself, is a small African Grey Timini Parrot and had lived in How Caple for 15 years.

On December 19 his owner, Jean Williams, was distraught to find his cage empty and the door open.

Parrot experts have said that it is unlikely that he would have opened the door himself, and that it is highly unlikely that he would have flown away from the vicinity in which he had lived all his life.

There have been no sightings of Sam and despite radio and newspaper appeals, Jean has had no response.

He is a much loved and missed friend who used to say 'hello mum' as well as barking like the dogs and ringing like the telephone. The house is now eerily quiet without him and Jean would love to have him back.

His favourite foods include monkey nuts, sunflower-seeds and oranges, and anyone with any information is asked to call 01989 740616.