FIREFIGHTERS were called out to help rescue a parrot which had escaped from its home in Urmston at weekend.

They used a large platform after being called by the RSPCA when parrot Zazu had been seen perched 50ft up in a tree in Kingsnorth Road, on Sunday morning.

Ben Levy, a group manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS), said: “From what we understood, Zazu, who is a much-loved family pet, had been stuck up a tree for a number of hours.

"The RSPCA requested our assistance and together we managed, with the use of a ladder and high reach aerial appliance, to rescue the bird from the tree

“Our crews were delighted to help and we are happy that Zazu is reunited with his family.”

He added: “We would warn pet owners not to put themselves at risk to rescue pets. The RSPCA has specialist tools and equipment to recover pets and animals, but where assistance for access or to provide a safe working environment is needed, the fire and rescue service will support these requests from RSCPA officers who are in attendance.”

GMFRS was in attendance from 11am to 12.26pm