THE Friends of Darlington’s South Park have saved its much loved aviary from the threat of closure by taking on the cost of feeding its 80 birds.

These include Max, the squawking 12-year-old African grey parrot whose noisy antics have made him a firm favourite with all young visitors to the park.

A large chainsaw carving of Max, which was made at last year’s Green Fair, stands proudly outside the aviary.

John Throw, chairman of the Friends, said: “The aviary is a huge part of the history of South Park and it is a very important part of the park. Children love seeing the birds and their parents and grandparents love showing them to them.

“It has always had an aviary and we hope that it will always have an aviary.”

The Friends have to raise £1,000 a year to feed the pheasants, ducks, canaries and cockatoo. It is hoped that most of the money will come from the 50p bags of bird food which are now being sold in the park cafe.