A PARROT is pining for its mate, which has escaped.

Noah, a tame grey bird was perched so gently on the shoulder of owner Karen Barrett that she did not realise it was there until she opened the patio doors of her home, in Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, and the bird flew off.

Noah has been missing since Sunday afternoon and, while Mrs Barrett is concerned for the bird's safety, her other parrot, a blue macaw named Milo, is missing its friend.

Mrs Barrett, who has kept parrots for about three years, said: "We have searched high and low and we have got posters all over the Redcar area. Noah is extremely tame and I wouldn't be surprised if he just lands on someone's shoulder."

Anyone spotting a bird matching Noah's description can call The Northern Echo's Redcar office on (01642) 513346.