A TOM Jones loving pet bird and his owner have captured the hearts of a care home in County Durham after endearing themselves to residents and staff alike.

Robbie the budgerigar has become a bit of a legend at The Manor House Barnard Castle care home on John Street, where he has lived with his owner resident Gill Storey, 85, since May last year.

Since his arrival, he has delighted everyone with his antics.

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Described as a wonderful companion to Gill, Robbie brightens her day and the day of everyone else at the home with his singing and playfulness, the pet spends his days enjoying attention from other residents and colleagues and eating special treats like Honey Bells and orange slices.

At The Manor House, Robbie is well known for his love of music, enjoying the dulcet tones of Tom Jones most of all.

Along with his music taste, Robbie enjoys watching TV and is a keen fan of sports, particularly football and rugby. Surprisingly, despite his love for Tom Jones and rugby, Robbie is not Welsh.

The Northern Echo: Robbie and Gill have made a great team at the care home. Picture: ANCHOR.Robbie and Gill have made a great team at the care home. Picture: ANCHOR.

Robbie has become a beloved fixture at Anchor’s The Manor House Barnard Castle care home and has received recognition from outside the home as well.

Just recently, the budgerigar was named as Anchor’s Pet of the Month for March voted for by colleagues and residents across the organisation.

Gill, Robbie’s owner, who has lived at Anchor’s The Manor House Barnard Castle care home for seven years, has highlighted the joy that Robbie brings – and detailed the accidental circumstances that saw her end up with the “special” pet.

She said: “Robbie’s a real joy. I love him, and he makes me very happy. It’s nice to have company and he always cheers me up. I’ve been an animal lover all my life. I’ve had all sorts of cats, dogs, and birds over the years, but Robbie is a really special character.

The Northern Echo: Robbie loves Tom Jones and rugby. Picture: ANCHOR.Robbie loves Tom Jones and rugby. Picture: ANCHOR.

“I got him after a wild canary accidentally flew into my room one night and I looked after it until the morning. I realised how much I missed looking after my animals and mentioned it to Sharon and she suggested getting a budgie. It’s great that Anchor’s The Manor House Barnard Castle care home is so pet friendly.”

Sharon Harrison, manager of The Manor House Barnard Castle care home added: “Robbie is an absolute star. He’s a sweet bird and cheers up everyone who comes to see him. He’s been a wonderful companion to Gill, it’s incredible how he recognises her voice and responds! The way he sings back to her, it’s almost like they’re having a conversation sometimes.

“We love animals like Robbie at Anchor’s The Manor House Barnard Castle care home. They bring a lot of happiness to our residents and our colleagues as well! We’ve a few other resident pets like Robbie, but we also have regular visits from the pets of colleagues and other visitors too.”

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