UNFLAPPABLE staff at JCB have been swooping in to try and help a parrot that has found its way into the grounds of the company's World Headquarters. The bright red creature, native to Australia, was spotted in trees near the Hydraulic Business Unit in Rocester.

And Quality Engineer Andy Mullins and Welding Specialist Les Walker tried to take the bird under their wing – with the help of some sturdy protective gloves.

Andy said: "It stands out like a sore thumb and we're all worried it might not survive long. We approached it and it was happy enough until we got a few yards away when it flew away. It's such an unusual sight – we were amazed when the lads in the demonstration yard first spotted it. It must have managed to get free somehow or been released by someone who couldn't look after it."

The bird – which has been spotted twice – feeds from a bird table near the HBU unit.

Parrot Expert, Marian Ralphs, who helps rear injured and abandoned birds, identified it as a young Crimson Rosella Parrot.

Marian, of Ellesmere, Shropshire, said: "As long as it's not attacked by blackbirds, crows or birds of prey it could conceivably live for some months – especially as it's now coming into summertime and there are plenty of seeds about."