CARL the friendly cockatoo has put his loving owner in a real flap after going AWOL from his home.

The grey and pink bird went missing along with his feathered mate Phil from their home in Cumbria more than a month ago and, despite several sightings of him, he is still on the loose.

Phil the cockatoo returned to his home after being spotted along with Carl near a road between Darlington and Barnard Castle, more than 30 miles from home.

Before then, the colourful duo were spotted at various places around Teesdale, in County Durham, taking in the scenery.

They were sighted watching a girls' hockey match at Barnard Castle School and have been seen by several residents perched in their gardens.

But as the days pass since Carl's disappearance, his owner, John Strutt, is becoming increasingly worried.

The 68-year-old bird lover said: "Carl is a very tame bird and could just fly into anyone's home or even perch on someone's shoulder."

Mr Strutt insists on letting his collection of birds, which also includes cockatiels, fly free in the grounds of his home and many simply use the aviary as a place to sleep and eat.

Anyone who may have spotted Carl is asked to call (01833) 627419.