A pet owner who issued a desperate plea for help to find his lost parrot and "best friend" Rosie has confirmed the bird has returned.

Spina bifida sufferer George Fleming, who is largely confined to his home in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, said African Grey parrot Rosie has become a constant companion.

That was until she flew out the back door on Thursday, leaving George to fear the worst for his feathered friend.

But today, Mr Fleming confirmed Rosie is now safe at home after her four day disappearance.

Speaking yesterday, he said: "I was cleaning out the cage so she hopped on top of it," said Mr Fleming, 53. "Normally she doesn't fly off but the back door was open and when one of the dogs barked she flew out.

"There's not much I can do because I'm disabled," he added. "It's very distressing. Because I can't get out much she's sort of my best friend. She's great company - I taught her to speak quite clearly - she calls my name and says 'hello how are you?'; she has a go at the dogs and says 'get down Dolly.' She knows all the children's names.

"I don't think she will be far. I think she's probably stuck in a tree or bush, because she's not a very good flyer.

"This was her first flight in the wild."

Mr Fleming advised against trying to catch Rosie as she could be aggressive - towards women in particular - if scared.