A cockatiel which wolf-whistles and mimics the sound of a telephone has taken flight. Its owner fears it may have fallen prey to gulls.

Sweetie flew out of an open back door in Calvert Road, Hastings.

Owner Sheena Swann, 42, says she is grief-stricken following Sweetie's disappearance on Wednesday.

She said: "I'm gutted. She was my friend who kept me company at night. I've only had her five months but she has been a real soul mate to me."

Mrs Swann says she will travel anywhere to retrieve Sweetie. Anyone who may have seen her is asked to call 07976 051347.