FOR years, the annual appearance of The Christmas Parrot has been something of a mystery.

The illuminated bird can usually be found every December among the decorations which adorn the Richmond's Friary Gardens - although few can explain what a tropical bird has to do with the festive season.

The truth is that it was bought as part of a job lot of second-hand illuminations which were acquired from Blackpool 20 years ago.

Now, a more colourful version of the story of The Christmas Parrot has been put to verse by retired teacher Tom Carr, who has published a book launched at the town hall.

Mr Carr, who lives in the town's Frenchgate, said he was inspired by a young girl's excitement at seeing the bird take up its roost in the trees every year.

"It was in the early 1980s and I was going to a writers' group in Richmond," he said.

"I thought I could write a poem but needed a subject - but then I thought, if a Christmas decoration could excite this little girl so much, it might be worthwhile getting to know more about it."

Mr Carr's book tells two stories about the parrot, both illustrated with drawings by Colin Smithson.

Copies cost £5.99 and can be obtained from the town's Castle Hill Bookshop and Mills Newsagent.