A 'STROPPY' parrot which has evaded capture in Usk for the last three weeks may need a companion to tempt him from the rooftops.

Villagers in Monmouthshire are considering introducing a female friend to lure Robbie back into captivity.

The grass-green parrot has become something of a local celebrity since he escaped from the home of owners Paul and Janet Wilson of Usk with a Facebook group tracking his whereabouts.

The parrot is described as being in his 'stroppy teenage years' and his owners have been out searching for him during the evenings but he seemed reluctant to leave his perch at the Priory Church of St Mary, Usk churchyard.

He has now moved to the Bridge Street area where Victoria Lewis, owner of The Mad Platter, has struck up a rapport with the bird. She has even named a cocktail after him.

It has been suggested by followers on Facebook that a female parrot may be needed to tempt him back.

Victoria said: "Maybe he needs some love and to shake his tail feathers. We are very much open to suggestions."

She added: "At 6am every morning he wakes me by making the most horrendous noise. I look out to the roof and try and coax him down but he will fly off, then come back. We try and coax him with food but no luck yet.

"There are crows around but he is really standing his ground with those. He has an unusual whistle and sometimes he is just looking for attention.

" I have tried to climb to the roof and even contacted a pet shop to see how we can coax him but they say he may bite."

If you can help capture Robbie, please call 01633 777226