AN African Grey parrot has been turning the air blue at the Bolton headquarters of the RSPCA while it waits to be reunited with its owner.

The friendly but foul-mouthed bird was brought to the rescue centre by Angela Kinsella, aged 56, of Westhoughton, after the parrot flew on to her shoulder on Tuesday evening while she was out walking her dog with her grandchildren Ellen, aged three, and Martin, aged two. Mrs Kinsella said: "I'd bent down to talk to Martin and next thing I knew there were these claws on my shoulders."

"I nearly jumped out of my skin and then I realised it was a parrot.

"It was very friendly. We took it home because there was no one else around. I gave it some sunflower seeds and it spent the rest of the evening on my shoulder."

The next day, Mrs Kinsella took the bird to a vet who gave it a clean bill of health before putting it in the care of the RSPCA, where Jasper, as he's been named by staff, has been providing some welcome comic relief.

RSPCA Bolton branch administrator Kathy Kay said: "He was a bit quiet when he first arrived, but now hes got so used to us we cant shut him up.

"He sings, laughs, coughs and knows more than a few dirty words. He's obviously imitating his owner.

"We called him Jasper after another African Grey we had here which we were able to reunite with its owner.

"We don't actually know if Jasper is a male or female, as you can only really tell with an African Grey after a blood test.

"Our job here can get quite stressful but Jasper has provided some welcome comic relief. He's a real character.

"We've all become quite attached to him but we would love for him to want to be reunited with his owner."

Jasper was found in the Westhoughton area on Tuesday evening. The RSPCA did not want to reveal the exact whereabouts to make it easier to identify his owner.

l If you recognise Jasper, call the RSPCA on 01204 521160.