A FEATHERED fugitive looks like spending a few more nights on the tiles after weeks of giving would-be captors the bird.

The lone peahen has been stalking the streets of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for more than a month, sleeping on roofs above the town centre.

For a bird probably used to more gracious living adorning the lawns of a country estate, it seems content with its new life as a city slicker, picking up scraps of food.

It hangs around the local hair salon and flits from wall to wall in the back lanes behind Princes Street, where it has become a big favourite with youngsters.

And it entertains customers at the Welcome pub by parading around the car park - but flies off if anyone tries to catch it.

The bird arrived at the beginning of July and shows no signs of leaving.

Patrizia Wilkinson and Margaret Richardson, who own the New Wave hair salon, said the bird often sits on their back wall.

Mrs Wilkinson said: "People are worried because this doesn't seem the right environment for a bird like that."

Gillian Pitcher, a civilian worker at Bishop Auckland police station, has taken dozens of calls about the bird since it was first sighted near Etherley Lane, on July 4.

She said: "We have contacted places which might have lost a peahen - but nobody has. It hasn't been reported missing."

RSPCA inspector Gavin Butterfield has offered to collect the bird and find it a new home if someone can catch it safely.

He said: "The best way is to build up its trust by feeding it corn or grain and laying a trail to a shed or garage.

"Peahens are very strong fliers and can travel for miles. We would never be able to catch it with a net."

Contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.