A parrot believed by its owner to have ceased to be after it went missing three weeks ago has returned - only to find its cage had been dumped and the bird seed thrown away.

It seemed as though Alfie, the parrot had disappeared from owner Mary Clark's home for good.

But, with a little help from The Argus, Mary and her African Grey Parrot have been reunited.

Earlier this month we revealed how PR boss Caraline Brown, of Dyke Road, Brighton, had found a bird matching Alfie's description in her back garden and given it shelter.

But he caused havoc, chewing furniture and messing on her house guests.

An appeal was issued in The Argus to find the owner and relieve Ms Brown, owner of Brighton-based Midnight Communications, of the squawking menace.

Mrs Clark, of Denmark Villas, Brighton, contacted us to say she had lost a parrot named after Alfred the Great and asked if we could pass on her details to Ms Brown.

Mrs Clark, 64, said: "I had thought he was long gone and dumped his cage. I have been through all the emotions - bereavement, hope and joy.

Ms Brown, of Dyke Road, Brighton said: "I am so glad the bird was hers as it was starting to eat my skirting boards and bit me every time I approached it."