LULU is an African Grey Parrot - one of nature’s most intelligent birds - and last week she decided to go shopping in Wombwell.

Julie Pyne, of Summer Lane, was distraught when her prized pet disappeared last Thursday. But Lulu had not gone far - just down the road to Nuwell Shopping Mall.

Owner Arthur Coward said Lulu wandered into the shop and started making the sound of a phone ringing, then said ‘Hello, hello!’ which Julie says is one of her favourite things to do.

Mr Coward said: “I thought it was strange because I’d just delivered a bed to a couple and they had a parrot. I wondered if it belonged to them but it didn’t.

“I made a cage for her out of some wire mesh I had and fed her plenty. She ate more than me. She had grapes, pomegranate and I even fed her some dog biscuits, as well as proper parrot food.”

Mr Coward spread the word that he had found Lulu and planned to inform the RSPCA this week. But by Sunday, he found out she belonged to Mrs Pyne.

She said “I was really worried about her. She jut flew off my shoulder when I opened the door to let the dog out. The RSPCA said there was only a very slim chance of finding her. I was so relieved when I heard Mr Coward had got a parrot.

“He was very good. He didn’t just take us on trust, because anyone could have claimed her. He told us it was a green parrot and when we said ‘oh no, our’s is grey’ he believed we were genuine.”

“I offered him a £100 reward but he wouldn’t take it. It really does restore your faith in human kindness.”