A family’s missing parrot has “left a void” after it flew off at the beginning of the year.

Now the bird’s family are appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.

Wally, a 25-year-old African Grey, escaped from his home in Woodland Way, Greenhithe, on Saturday, January 5.

His owner Sue Symmons says the chatty parrot’s disappearance has left the family heartbroken.

The “intelligent and curious” parrot was seen perched in a tree in nearby Eagles Road after he escaped, but the family was unable to coax him down.

He flew off the following day and was last seen on Monday, January 7, around the woodland area of Perkins Close, Greenhithe.

Mother-of-five Sue described Wally as a talkative bird which loves male attention.

“I can’t tell you how terrible it has been" Sue Symmons

She said: “He loved company and would come to the bars whenever I entered the room and listen intently to pick up on sounds.

“He would keep himself amused whistling a range of tunes, wolf whistles and mimicing the tune to ‘we know what you’re doing’.

“At the slightest sound of a door moving or keys being picked up, Wally would say 'see you later, goodbye'.

"In the mornings he would greet me with 'hello' then make a high-pitched screech as he rang his bell for his breakfast.”

The 55-year-old nurse said the family are constantly looking for their fun-loving pet.

She added: “I can’t tell you how terrible it has been. My husband Bob and I have five grown-up children, the youngest is at university studying animal behaviour.

“She adored Wally and it has been all the harder for her feeling helpless, being away from home.

"She has already been home for a few days to help in the search then had to get back to her studies. She asks after him every day.

“The house is never quiet, but the sounds Wally made have left a void and we long to have him back again.

“We go out on walks especially at dusk and dawn when birds are more active; checking on fences, rooftops and in trees and listening to the chorus for any parrot sounds.”

The family was given a glimmer of hope this week when another parrot was found in the area, but unfortunately it wasn’t him.

Mrs Symmons added: “A parrot was found in the Lee area, sadly it was not Wally but we are happy that parrot can be returned to its owner.

"This news has given us proof that parrots are resilient and there is still hope that Wally can be safely returned to us, where he belongs.

“We are a large family, we all love Wally and miss him so much. We desperately want him back and are constantly looking and listening out for his safe return.

"We appeal to everyone to check their front and back gardens, Wally could be anywhere by now and to anyone who may know of his whereabouts to please get in touch.”

If any readers have an idea of where Wally is or have seen him, you can contact the family by emailing ssymmons@btinternet.com.