An elderly couple were left “devastated” when their chatty Crystal Palace supporting budgie went missing.

Peter, a blue and white budgie, flew off owner Bill North’s shoulder as he took the bins out at his home in Orpington High Street on Sunday.

Peter, who is described as a friendly bird and often says “up the Palace”, has not been seen since and Mr North and his wife Lily are desperate for his safe return.

Mr North, 77, said: “He is always on my shoulder, but on Sunday morning I didn’t realise he was on my shoulder until I felt him fly away.

“He talks all the time and goes with us wherever we go.

“He says “I love you” and “give us a kiss” and “the wheels on the bus go round and round” and of course, “up the Palace”.

Friend of the family Barbara Barton said: “He often bounces up and down as he talks and will try to drink tea from your cup.

“Bill and Lily are devastated and miss Peter so much.

“Lily goes up Orpington High Street almost every day and is a regular at the Orpington British Legion club.

“She's been a Crystal Palace supporter since her youth and so many people know and love her and would say Lily is such a lovely person that she really deserve a bit of your time to help get the message out and hopefully get Peter back for her.”

Mr North advised that anyone who spots Peter should try and keep him in a safe place until they can contact the couple.

He added: “If they say Peter he will go to them, he’s not frightened of them at all.”

If you see Peter the budgie please call the Newsdesk on 01689 885 725 or email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk.