THE desperate owners of a missing York parrot have put up a £500 reward for his safe return.

John and Amanda Gardiner say the offer is a last resort, as they continue their efforts to track down Merlin, an African Grey. The Press reported on Tuesday how the pet bird flew out of their home in Maplehurst Avenue, off Huntington Road, last week after a door blew open.

The couple said he was like a part of their family, and they had hardly been able to eat or sleep since he went missing.

Mr Gardiner said yesterday that following the article, a woman had told them that her neighbour had got an African Grey and he had then contacted police.

“They got back to us saying it was not ours, so now we want to advertise the reward money,” he said. “This is our last resort – Merlin is not worth £500 to anyone, only to us.”

Anyone who spots Merlin should phone the couple on 01904 621296 or 07708 733938.