A bit of a flap . . .

A PET cockatiel which made a break for freedom from a Tavistock pet shop gave itself up — at the town's other pet shop.

'Willow', one of two female birds belonging to Tony and Diane Morby, who own Alpha Pets on Pepper Street, flapped out the door early on Tuesday.

Mrs Morby said: 'Tony forgot to shut the cage properly before opening the shop door — she probably thought, 'Let's make a break for it'.

Mrs Morby was upset by the loss of her favourite pet, but was reunited later in the morning when Leah Sargent from Georgina's Pets on West Street brought Willow back.

'A lady came into the shop with the bird in her hand,' said Leah. 'She said she'd found it outside — it was a bit stunned and needed a drink, but I think it's all right now.'

Mrs Morby said Willow was pleased to see her. 'And I was pleased to see her, too — I feel like I've won the lottery.'