Parrot gives parishioners the bird

The vicar has received complaints from people who have become targets for verbal abuse from the exotic bird.

The mischievous African grey parrot called Charlie has been living with a flock of pigeons in the bell-tower at St Mary's Church in Mirfield.

Three-year-old Charlie regularly turns the air blue by swearing and wolf-whistling at passers-by.

But despite several attempts to catch the parrot he remains free as a bird.

Owner Zarina France, 34, of Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, said even Charlie's favourite monkey nuts had not been enough to entice him back to captivity.

"Charlie can be very abusive and says all sorts of filthy things that I don't want to repeat.

"He probably picked it all up from me and when I heard about a swearing parrot I knew it was our Charlie."

Voice from above

Church warden Stuart Wooller said Charlie had become a local celebrity since escaping from his owners during the summer.

"I have spoken to Charlie several times and he seems quite happy at the church.

"I know that he wolf-whistles but I haven't heard him swear at me probably out of respect because I am the warden."

Local pub landlord Tim Wood said he was shocked after hearing a mysterious voice from above as he walked his dogs.

"I couldn't believe it when I first heard the parrot.

"I thought I must have really upset someone because of the language that was being used.