SIGHTINGS of an exotic visitor to the Yorkshire Dales have been reported.

A large blue, green and red bird, believed to be a macaw, has been spotted on numerous occasions in Wensleydale over the past fortnight.

Steven Scott, 26, of Leyburn, saw the bird while clay pigeon shooting in fields on the edge of town on Wednesday.

He said: "It flew overhead and everybody stared in amazement.

"It was as big as an eagle."

Other sightings have been reported in Finghall, Askrigg, Redmire and on the banks of the River Ure at Wensley.

The Reverend Sue Whitehouse has seen the bird on top of Aysgarth Church tower.

She said: "It was there last Friday and Saturday. It is a very unusual bird to have around and people have been very surprised."

It is believed the bird may have escaped from a breeder in Kirkby Stephen.

An RSPB spokesman said a macaw should be able to survive in the wild and would eat berries and fruit.

Sightings can be reported to The Parrot Society on (01864) 325699.