A bird sanctuary which takes in abandoned and injured pets has gained charity status... and it's all thanks to the Evening Press.

Pampered Parrots will now be eligible to apply for support grants and organisers will be able to raise money to help look after more birds.

"It's all down to you," said organiser Julie Piercy.

"This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for your coverage of the sanctuary."

Last week the Evening Press reported on two African Grey parrots, Sydney and Claude, who were turning the air blue with their foul language.

Though their owners had been unable to look after them, they had found a new home with Julie.

Following our coverage, Julie was inundated with calls from national newspapers and TV news programmes wanting to cover the story.

"After the coverage, Safehaven, a bird charity, got in touch and asked us if Pampered Parrots would like to join it as a sister company," said Julie.

"It had been considering us for about a year, but made the decision last week after seeing all the media coverage.

"It's great news for birds like Claude and Sydney and for all the other birds at Pampered Parrots.

"Safehaven is a charitable sanctuary based in Gloucester and we will now become a sister sanctuary to them.

"It also means we will be able to use its charity number to apply for grants and to raise money ourselves."

There has been only one negative effect from all that publicity, said Julie.

"We have had so many people phoning up asking if they can adopt Claude and Sydney," she said.

"But in your article it clearly said they were staying with us. We do have other birds available which need re-homing, but those two are staying here."

You can now become a member of Pampered Parrots and Safehaven on payment of a £10 donation.

To make a donation or to adopt a bird, telephone Julie on (01653) 628439 or send an email to jules484@hotmail.com.

Updated: 11:45 Monday, April 30, 2001