A WAYWARD youngster that gate-crashed a couple's quiet picnic on a hillside is hoping to be reunited with his family.

The parrot landed beside Stephen Hall and Jacqueline Cowell as they enjoyed a packed lunch in the County Durham dales, between Eggleston and Stanhope, on Sunday afternoon.

The bird, thought to be a juvenile African grey parrot, started pecking at the couple's boiled eggs and biscuits and greeted them with a cheery "Hello".

Mr Hall said: "My partner heard a thud, turned around and saw the parrot had landed next to us and has started tucking in to our bait.

"It chats a bit and is a lovely bird, and we're sure someone will be missing it, so we hope the owners see this appeal and get in touch."

The couple, from Southwick, in Sunderland, are now appealing for the bird's owner to contact them so it can be returned home.

Miss Cowell is available on 07733 442120 or Mr Hall on 07766 878645.