YOUNGSTERS have risen to the challenge of choosing a name for a parrot who will be joining them at their activities.

The brightly-coloured bird will become the children's new friend at the De Brus Youth and Community Centre, Skelton, part of the East Cleveland Sure Start Partnership.

The fancy dress parrot has been put together by Marske hire shop, Celebration, and will attend all future Sure Start events.

Linda White, Sure Start community information officer, said: "We wanted something that wasn't going to intimidate the children. It had to be nice and bright and colourful and recognisable by the under-fours."

And as the majority of the children chose the name Percy, the parrot was christened with one of the favourite names for parrots. The naming ceremony coincided with a free event in Skelton to celebrate National Women's Day.