A TALKATIVE parrot has gone interactive and launched its own e-mail service for its international fans.

Albert, the blue-fronted Amazon parrot, has been a resident at Walworth Castle in Darlington for 14 years and has made hundreds of friends from all over the world.

Last year, it was discovered that Albert was actually a female, but it was decided to keep its name so as not to confuse it or the fans.

Every birthday, Albert receives cards from people in Australia and the US.

Albert lives in the 12th Century hotel reception and talks to all the visitors as they arrive.

Now, in order to keep its fans up-to-date, Albert has got an e-mail address.

Anyone can send Albert a greeting and, faster than a carrier pigeon, they will receive an electronic letter back.

Castle owner Chris Swaine said: "She greets everyone as soon as they come in to the reception here with a stream of constant chatter and as soon as they respond she's off her perch, out of her cage and chatting as if she has known them all her life.

"When she was not very well a little while ago, she got lots of cards from all over the world."

As well as being one of the first birds on the Net, Albert hopes to start a fan club, with younger fans being sent birthday cards.

Albert was left at the castle by previous owners Anita and Peter Culley, who sold it to Chris and Rachel Swaine last year.

The hotel guests had become so attached to the bird that the Culleys' decided to leave it, on the strict understanding they could visit as often as they liked.

Albert's e-mail address is albert@walworthcastle.co.uk